Although humans dominate most of the land on Earth, animals continue to rule in some places. In this list, we have brought together some islands where the animal population is higher than the human population or where animals live entirely. From the island where horses run freely on the beach to the forests where thousands of crabs live together… 11 places where animals have taken over
Crabs – Christmas Island, Australia
Every year on Christmas Island, 50 million crabs migrate from the forests to the coast to breed. The breeding conditions of the crabs on this island are so special that all the crabs migrate at the same time. As a result, thousands of crabs come together during these periods and a magnificent visual is created. Apart from the crabs, very few people live on the island. However, the local government has taken many precautions to prevent harm to the crabs. For example, special tunnels have been built for the crabs to pass under the roads. This has greatly reduced the death rate on the road. There are also crab bridges in many parts of the island for crabs that do not prefer tunnels.
Horses – Assateague Island, USA
Assateague, a barrier island between Maryland and Virginia, is famous for its horses that run freely on the beach and love the sea. According to locals, these horses were placed on the island due to a shipwreck during the colonial period. Whatever the reason, seeing horses running on the beach is very peaceful for the locals!
Cats – Tashirojima Island, Japan
One hundred people live on Tashitojima Island. At the same time, cats, which are 10 times the human population, spend their lives on this island. In the 18th century, silkworm textiles were made on the island. Since mice preyed on silkworms, local people thought of bringing cats to the island. Cats have been among the most valuable inhabitants of the island ever since. While the cats multiplied rapidly, the number of people on the island decreased. Today, people from all over the world travel to Japan to see the cats on the island.
Sika Deer – Miyajima Island, Japan
There are thought to be 1,200 deer on Miyajima Island. According to local people, deer on Miyajima used to be considered sacred messengers of the gods. Until 1637, killing one deer was punishable by direct death. Today, the animals are still protected by Japanese law, but without the harsh penalties of the past. Deer are known for their timidity in many parts of the world. But on this island they live peacefully with humans and are easily tamed and fed.
Rabbits – Okunoshima Island, Japan
Most of Japan’s islands are dominated by animals. Cats, deer and rabbits… It is not known how the rabbits on this island got there. Some people say that the rabbits were test subjects during World War II and were left there after the war ended. So the rabbits on the island could be the descendants of the rabbits that were test subjects back then. Rabbit lovers often visit the island to play with and feed them. It’s really great to spend time with these cute creatures!
Chickens – Kauai, Hawaii, USA
We continue our list of places where animals rule. The island of Kauai is a chicken paradise! According to local belief, in ancient times, a hurricane caused the destruction of the chicken coops on the island. Chickens escaped from the coops and started to breed uncontrollably. Today there are thousands of chickens on the island and their population continues to grow every day as there is no natural predator.
Foxes – Zao Fox Village, Japan
Zao Fox Village is a place where 6 different species roam and live freely. However, the foxes have become domesticated due to the constant visits of curious people. You can even feed the foxes by paying a five dollar entrance fee.
Monkeys – Phi Phi Island, Thailand
Monkey Beach on Phi Phi Island is home to a large colony of macaque monkeys. The monkeys are so used to tourists that they are no longer shy. They can even be a bit aggressive when taking their food. These monkeys are also known to snatch valuables such as sunglasses, watches and bags.
Birds – Runde Island, Norway
Runde, also known as Bird Island, is home to Scandinavia’s largest seabird species. During the nesting season, more than 500,000 seabirds such as cormorants, great pirate gulls and morus take over the island. The best time for people to come to the island and birdwatch is between mid-April and July.
Seals – Seal Island, South Africa
This island is known as the main breeding ground for about 64,000 seals. Humans have tried to inhabit the island at various times but have never been successful due to the harsh weather conditions and the great white sharks surrounding the island.
Sheep – New Zealand
We have come to the end of our list of places where animals rule. Did you know that in New Zealand there are six sheep per person? That may sound like a lot, but in 1982 there were 22 sheep per person. Sheep farms were once the backbone of the country’s economy. But then economic sectors diversified and sheep numbers fell. Nevertheless, New Zealand remains the leading country in sheep per capita.
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