Animal migration is a seasonal or periodic activity carried out by animals to adapt to changes in climate and food, or to ensure reproductive success.

Animal migrations are some of the most moving phenomena in nature. Some migrations are known for their speed, others for their scale, and some of the longest migrations in terms of distance and time are breathtaking.

Birds About 18% of the world’s 10,000 bird species migrate due to seasonal climate changes. Most of these birds fly from north to south. The northern summer is usually the season when birds feed and breed, while winter is the season when they migrate south to warmer places.

For example, the Arctic Tern migrates from north to south each year, a distance of about 12,000 miles.

Fish Unlike birds, fish do not always migrate long distances, as they may end up in the same place. For example, if a fish inhabits a huge lake and eventually changes its habitat, the migration will be short; however, some fish travel hundreds of miles.

Insects Insect migration usually occurs between winged insects such as dragonflies, butterflies, and locusts. For these two butterflies, the group that starts the migration is not the same butterfly that completes the journey.

The reason for this is that the butterflies mate and reproduce during the process, so the new generation of butterflies is the one that completes the migration.

Mammals A good example of this migration is the famous migration of horned horses in Serengeti National Park in Africa. In addition to hornbills, other migratory species include zebras and antelopes. Interestingly, these groups can change their direction depending on environmental conditions.

Other animals such as cetaceans including dolphins, whales, and porpoises also migrate. Migrating crustaceans include the astounding Island red crab which migrates by millions each year.

So why do these animals migrate?

In search of food, Food is associated with reproduction, as most animals migrate to places where there is enough food for their offspring to reproduce.

Hibernation Hibernation is vital to the survival of some animals, and a good example of such an animal is the little brown bat. In the summer, these creatures live in trees, while they migrate to caves to hibernate in the winter.

Escape from bad weather Most migratory birds migrate because of the change of seasons. A perfect example of this is the Arctic Tern, which experiences two summers in a year instead of one due to its migration.

Reproduction One of the most common reasons for migration is for animals to find suitable breeding grounds for reproduction. Crustaceans, such as many species of crabs live in the deep sea but go to shallow water to breed before returning to deeper waters. Amphibians like frogs and toads alternate breeding between breeding ponds and large lakes.

How do animals know where to migrate? Experts in this field are still unsure how animals know the correct direction, although several theories have been proposed. One theory suggests that animals use landmarks to discern their direction, and examples of such landmarks include rivers and lakes.

Other scientists believe that the sun and stars are used to determine direction. The keen sense of smell of some animals may also be how animals decide on the right route, while others use the Earth’s magnetic field.

After reading about why animals migrate and what migratory animals there are, we are sure you have a better understanding! Seasonal bird migrations are one of the most common types of animal migrations. There are many reasons why animals migrate, and migration is related to many factors