The Magic of Migration

The Magic of Migration

Introduction Some animals wing their way across the skies for hundreds or thousands of miles. Others thunder across great plains. And still others make their way through strong ocean currents. All are searching for food, water, warmer climates, or a place to raise their young. And all are taking part in the magic journey of migration.

What Is Migration? Migration is the term scientists use to describe these animal journeys. And many different types of animals migrate. Birds, bats, whales, sea turtles, large grazers such as caribou and wildebeests, salmon, and even some kinds of insects move from one place to another to survive.

Some animals migrate at the same time every year and follow the same path. Others follow more irregular patterns because their movement depends on local conditions, such as the weather. There are also some animals that only migrate one-way, such as masses of locusts that migrate when their numbers get so big that they need to find new sources of food. They stay in a new field until they need another source of food.

Migration is one of the most dangerous journeys an animal can make. Migrating animals face many threats along the way, including hungry predators, strong winds, ocean currents, hunters, and fishermen. But migrating to find better living conditions is important for survival.

The Search for Food and Water The most common reason why animals migrate is to find food and water. One of the most spectacular examples can be found in Africa. Every year more than a million wildebeests, which are large, grazing animals, migrate because of drought. When hot weather dries up grass and water supplies in one place, these fast-on-their-feet wildebeests travel in huge herds to find new sources of food and water. As these large mammals thunder across the great plains of eastern Africa, hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles join them on their journey.