T h e - D a l e s
Referring to the small forested valleys that undulate over the western coast of the island, there are seven Dales carved out by freshwater streams that lead from the hills to the sea. Only two of these streams flow all year round, the others are subject to seasonal rains. However, there is still enough water to keep the rainforest here permanently lush. The Dales is one of two areas of the island that has been granted RAMSAR status, an international convention that focuses on the conservation of wetland habitats around the world. The Dales have a number of endemic species of flora and fauna not commonly found anywhere else on the island, such as the Forest Skink (Emoia nativitatis) and the burrowing Pink Blind Snake (Ramphotyphlops exocoeti).
The endemic Christmas Island Palm (Arenga listeri) thrives here. The fruit and pithy center of the trunk are a favorite food for the robber crabs. It is not uncommon to see a large number of robber crabs gathering at the base of the palm when the fruits are ripe and some of the crabs will climb the palm to feed.
The Syzygium and Planchonella are magnificent canopy and emergent trees in the western plateau region of the island, and are often used by the Abbott's Boobies for nesting. By nesting on tall emergent trees, this very large bird has ample space necessary for take-off and landing. Christmas Island is the only known nesting location for the Abbott's Booby. Another plant that thrives in such freshwater habitat is the Tahitian Chestnuts (Inocarpus fagifer). Their attractive fluted trunk and tangled roots provides an excellent sheltered retreat in the stream-bed for the many freshwater-loving Blue Crabs (Discoplax hirtipes) that thrives here in this very wet forest.
Hugh's Dale Waterfall may seem like a small trickle but its importance to the local ecosystem is without question. Flowing all year round, it is this permanent flow of water that makes the Dales such an unique and important habitat on the island.
Beyond Hugh's Dale, the forest trail is not well marked and overgrown at many places. But the more adventurous keen on exploring the other Dales would be rewarded with a great sense of how private this part of the island can be in addition to its natural charm. Anderson's Dale is the fifth, and the last that could be reached without having to cut fresh trails into the thick forest. This is the second of the two Dales that flows all year round, and is home to a healthy large population of Blue Crabs. Following the stream towards the sea is quite an experience, as one goes through spectacular chasms and duck under vegetation before emerging to an extremely pretty and private beach.
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