THE SLOW MARCH OF THE MANGROVE CRAB - February 2022

I’m sure anyone from Broome or those keeping an eye on the wet season up here have heard we had a bit of rain recently! A Low made it’s way across from the Northern Territory and ever so kindly dropped about 700ml of rain right on top of Broome.

When there has been heavy rainfall all at once like this, we get to see the incredible migration of the mangrove crabs (Neosarmatium australiense).

Not every wet season elicits such a response from the crabs but every so often when that quantity of rain is dropped so quickly these crabs are flooded out of their burrows onto Roebuck Plains and begin their journey.

The migration is quite obvious because they mostly follow ready made, easily traversable tracks like the road.

Once they are flushed out of their homes they make the journey to the appropriately named Little Crab Creek!

Thousands are on the move but battling the heat, passing vehicles and aggressive meat ants, this journey will not be an easy one!

Those that do not succeed will be found scattered along the roads from months and years to come, with their carapaces often picked up by tour guests in confusion and awe.

We would love to share this beautiful migration with everyone in person but unfortunately the combination of circumstances that bring about this migration often amount to the road being very wet and closed.