From butterflies to whales, the animal kingdom is full of incredible migratory animals. Each year, countless species embark on arduous journeys, traveling vast distances across land, air, and sea.
But why do animals migrate? The reasons are as diverse as the animals that migrate themselves.
In this post, we'll explore 15 examples of what animals migrate around the world. For each, we’ll explain how animals know when to migrate and why.
1. Monarch Butterflies
One of the most poetic examples of animals that migrate is the monarch butterfly. Known for their striking orange and black wings, these migratory animals undertake an astonishing long-distance journey each year, covering thousands of miles.
They travel from North America to central Mexico, a journey that spans multiple generations of butterflies. This migration is essential for their survival, as they move to warmer regions during winter.
The monarch's migration is not only a spectacle but a marvel of nature. They showcase the intricate ways of how animals know when to migrate.
2. Arctic Terns
Arctic terns set the record for the longest journey of any animal that migrates. These seabirds travel an awe-inspiring 25,000 miles annually from their Arctic breeding grounds to the Antarctic and back.
This extensive migratory route ensures they experience two summers each year and more daylight than any other creature on Earth. The arctic tern's journey is a fascinating display of endurance and a prime example of the extraordinary lengths migration animals go to for survival.
3. Wildebeests
The great migration of wildebeests in the Serengeti is one of the most spectacular wildlife events on the planet. Each year, over a million wildebeests, accompanied by zebras and gazelles, travel in a large loop across the Serengeti in Tanzania and into the Maasai Mara in Kenya.
This mass movement of migrating animals is driven by their search for fresh grazing and water. The migration faces numerous challenges, including river crossings and predators, highlighting the perilous bravery of these animals that migrate.
4. Humpback Whales
Humpback whales are renowned for their epic migrations, one of the longest in the animal kingdom. These ocean giants travel up to 5,000 miles annually, moving between their feeding grounds in polar waters and breeding grounds in tropical or subtropical seas.
This migration is critical for their survival, ensuring access to abundant food sources and safe places to give birth. The migratory patterns of humpback whales are a significant study in marine biology, shedding light on why animals migrate and their impact on ocean ecosystems.
5. Emperor Penguins
Emperor penguins exhibit a unique movement among animals that migrate. Instead of long-distance travel, these Arctic inhabitants undertake a remarkable journey on foot and belly-sliding across the ice.
They migrate inland to breeding colonies in the early spring. This journey can be up to 75 miles and is crucial for the safety of their eggs and chicks from the encroaching sea.
The resilience and determination of emperor penguins in such extreme conditions are a profound example of the adaptations and survival strategies of migration animals.
6. Salmon
Salmon are renowned for their remarkable upstream journey, a prime example of animals that migrate in extraordinary ways. These fish return to the very streams where they were born to spawn, often overcoming significant obstacles like waterfalls and dams.
Their migration begins in the ocean and takes them hundreds of miles upstream. This journey is critical for their reproduction and lifecycle.
Salmon's ability to navigate and persevere through challenging conditions is a testament to the incredible instincts driving migratory animals.
7. Sea Turtles
Sea turtles undertake one of the most impressive oceanic migrations of any animal that migrates. They travel thousands of miles across the oceans, with some species like the leatherback turtle covering vast distances between feeding areas and nesting beaches.
Female sea turtles return to the very beaches where they were hatched to lay their eggs. This cycle ensures the continuation of their species and highlights the intrinsic nature of why animals migrate.
8. Elephant Seals
Elephant seals are noted for their extensive migrations in the ocean, covering thousands of miles twice a year. These massive marine mammals travel from their breeding grounds on beaches to distant foraging areas in the open sea.
The migration of elephant seals is crucial for their survival, allowing them to find abundant food resources in the ocean. Their long-distance travels are an impressive display of endurance and adaptability among migration animals.
9. Gray Whales
Gray whales exhibit one of the longest migrations of any mammal. These migrating animals travel approximately 10,000–12,000 miles round trip between their feeding grounds in the Arctic and breeding grounds in the warm lagoons of Baja California, Mexico.
This migration ensures that they can feed in the nutrient-rich Arctic waters and give birth in the warmer southern waters. It’s one such journey that reveals the complex behaviors of animals that migrate.
10. African Elephants
African elephants are known for their seasonal migration patterns within the African landscape. They migrate in search of food and water, traveling hundreds of miles across savannas and forests.
These migrations are crucial for maintaining the health of the ecosystems they inhabit, as elephants play a key role in shaping their environment. The migratory patterns of African elephants underscore the importance of preserving migration corridors for these majestic animals that migrate.
11. Dragonflies
Dragonflies, particularly species like the globe skimmer, are the tiniest group of animals on this list that migrate across vast distances. These small yet resilient migratory animals can travel thousands of miles, crossing continents and even oceans.
The globe skimmer's migration, for instance, spans from India to Africa and back, a phenomenal journey for such a small creature. Their movement highlights the adaptability and resilience inherent in animals that migrate.
12. Swallows
Swallows are migratory animals renowned for their intercontinental movements. These birds travel vast distances between breeding grounds in Europe and wintering areas in Africa.
Swallows navigate these long distances with precision, using landmarks and the earth's magnetic field as guides. This migration is crucial for their survival and is a perfect example of animals that migrate for seasonal advantages.
13. Zebras
As mentioned earlier, zebras, particularly in regions like the Serengeti, participate in some of the most visually striking migrations in the animal kingdom. These migrating animals journey across the African savanna in massive herds, following the rains to find fresh grazing lands.
This migration is not just a spectacular sight, but also plays a crucial role in the savanna's ecology. The movement of these large herds helps to maintain the health of the grasslands.
The zebra migration is a prime example of how animals know when to migrate, driven by instinct and environmental cues.
14. Great White Sharks
Great white sharks are among the ocean's most impressive migrating animals. Known for their long-distance travel, these sharks cover thousands of miles across the oceans.
Their migration, often driven by the search for food and breeding grounds, showcases the diverse reasons why animals migrate. Tracking studies have revealed complex patterns in their movements, offering insights into the ecological role of these apex predators.
15. Caribou
Caribou, also known as reindeer in some regions, undertake one of the most extensive terrestrial migrations seen in animals that migrate. Their herds travel hundreds of miles in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, a phenomenon that showcases the endurance and resilience of migrating animals.
Their migration is primarily driven by the search for food, particularly lichen. This composite organism forms a significant part of their diet.
The caribou's migration also plays a crucial role in the Arctic ecosystem, impacting everything from vegetation patterns to predator-prey dynamics. Their movement is just another example of why animals migrate for survival and ecological balance.
Join the Journey to Protect Migratory Animals Worldwide
The extraordinary journeys of animals that migrate reveal the intricate and awe-inspiring aspects of nature. From the vast oceanic treks of whales to the aerial journeys of arctic terns, these migratory animals showcase the resilience and adaptability of wildlife.
Understanding why animals migrate and how they know when to migrate is crucial for their conservation. That’s because their migrations are often threatened by human activities.
At Fahlo, we're dedicated to supporting these incredible animals that migrate. Our bracelets, such as those tracking lions, not only offer a window into the lives of animals but also contribute to vital conservation efforts.
Shop with Fahlo and become a part of a movement that champions the protection and understanding of animals that migrate. Guarantee their amazing journeys continue for generations to come.