One of nature’s most spectacular events is underway as millions of red crabs migrate across Christmas Island, turning roads, paths, and forests into a sea of crimson.

The annual migration, which happens every year between October and December, sees the crabs emerge from the island’s lush rainforest to make their way to the Indian Ocean, where they will breed and spawn.

Local authorities and park rangers have closed several roads to protect the crabs as they cross, ensuring the safety of both wildlife and residents. Videos and photos show an astonishing sight — entire landscapes carpeted in moving red, as crabs swarm over rocks, roads, and even buildings.

According to the Christmas Island National Park, the main spawning event is expected around November 15 and 16, when millions of female crabs will release their eggs into the sea. A second spawning is anticipated in mid-December, depending on weather and moon cycles.

Park officials describe the event as a vital ecological process and a reminder of the island’s unique biodiversity. “The migration connects forest and ocean ecosystems — it’s the heartbeat of our island’s natural cycle,” the park said in a statement.

The red crab migration draws thousands of visitors and nature enthusiasts each year, making it one of the world’s most remarkable wildlife spectacles.