The following vacation spot in our journey Across the World in 50 Experiments is Christmas Island.
Christmas Island is an Australian territory within the Indian Ocean, about 1600 miles northwest of Perth. It’s a small island, solely 52 sq. miles in dimension and is residence to round 2000 folks. Most inhabitants dwell on the northern fringe of the island.
Christmas Island was named by Captain William Mynors, who arrived on the island on Christmas Day in 1643.
Christmas Island is residence to many unbelievable species of wildlife, together with birds, reptiles and marine life.
Guests love Christmas Island due to its Nationwide Parks, biodiversity and breathtaking magnificence.
Christmas Island Science Actions
Pink Crab Migration
Pink crabs are distinctive to Christmas Island, with over 120 million of them dwelling within the rainforests for many of the yr.
Between October and December every year, 40 – 50 million purple crabs make a harmful journey from the forest to the ocean to mate and lay eggs.
When the crabs attain the seaside, the males dig burrows, the place females be a part of them to mate. After mating, the females keep behind within the burrow, and the males head residence. Every feminine crab lays round 100,000 eggs!
When the moon reaches its final quarter, the crabs enter the ocean on the flip of excessive tide and launch their eggs.
Christmas Island Science Actions
Pink crab migration STEM Problem
Because the crabs migrate, one of many fundamental hazards is roads. Particular bridges have been constructed over some main roads to supply a secure route for the crabs.
Use the problem sheet under to design a bridge or tunnel to assist purple crabs survive the perilous journey.
Extra exercise concepts
Learn extra about purple crabs and their annual migration.
Don’t overlook to obtain the passport and select the following vacation spot to your journey around the globe.
Enjoyable details about Christmas Island
Christmas Island is within the Indian Ocean.
Many languages are spoken on the island, together with English, Chinese language and Malay.
Christmas Island was named on Christmas Day 1643, however folks didn’t settle there till the late nineteenth Century.
About two-thirds of the island is a nationwide park.
The island has an extended shoreline, however a lot of it’s inaccessible.
Final Up to date on November 21, 2023 by Emma Vanstone
