Overview

The annual Red Crab migration on Christmas Island is listed by naturalists as one of the most spectacular of all natural events. In the lead up to the wet season each year thousands of adult red crabs begin a hazardous migration from the forests to the coastline, where they will breed and spawn.

Two deadly obstacles make the journey a hazardous one for the crabs: possible dehydration from the hot sun, and being crushed to death by road traffic. Special crossings help curb the number of crab casualties during the migration season, and traffic can also be prevented from using roads when crossings are taking place.

After mating, the males migrate back to the forest, leaving the females to brood their eggs and spawn. After hatching, into free swimming larvae, the eggs grow through several stages in the ocean before they emerge as tiny crabs and make their own way back to the forests.

Designer

Sonia Young, Australia Post Design Studio.

Products released in this issue   

  • Stamps 1 x 70c, 1 x $2.10
  • Covers (blank pictorial and gummed)
  • Gutter strips

Technical specifications

Issue date
12 August 2014
Issue withdrawal date
28 February 2015
Denominations
1 x 70c, 1 x $2.10
Stamp design
Sonia Young, Australia Post Design Studio
Product design
Sonia Young, Australia Post Design Studio
Paper - gummed
Tullis Russell
Printer - gummed
RA Print
Printing process
Lithography
Stamp size
37.5mm x 26mm
Perforations
13.86 x 14.6
Sheet layout
Module of 50
FDI postmark
Christmas Island, WA 6798
FDI withdrawal date
10 September 2014


This content was produced at the time of the stamp issue release date and will not be updated.