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The Science of Animal Migration

Animal migration is the seasonal, large-scale movement of a species from one environment to another. This behavior is found in a wide variety of animals, including birds, mammals, fish, and insects. The primary drivers for these remarkable journeys are typically the search for food, the pursuit of more favorable climate conditions, or the need to find suitable locations for breeding. For example, the Arctic tern undertakes the longest known migration, flying from its Arctic breeding grounds to the Antarctic and back each year to take advantage of continuous summer daylight.

To complete these long and perilous journeys, migrating animals rely on sophisticated navigational abilities. Research has shown that they use a range of environmental cues. Many birds, for instance, are known to use the sun as a compass, adjusting for its movement across the sky throughout the day. Others navigate using the Earth's magnetic field, an internal sense that functions like a built-in GPS. These innate skills are often supplemented by learned information, such as recognizing landmarks along a familiar route.

Despite their incredible adaptations, migrating species face growing threats from human activities. The destruction of wetlands, forests, and other habitats removes critical stopover sites where animals rest and feed. Man-made structures like tall buildings, wind turbines, and dams can create dangerous obstacles. Conservation efforts are now increasingly focused on protecting not just the destination habitats but also the entire migratory corridors that are essential for these animals to survive their journeys.