5 Epic Animal Migrations That Cross Entire Worlds

Millions of monarch butterflies spend the colder months in mountain forests in central Mexico. Their wider migration unfolds across multiple generations as the population moves north and later returns south.

Large herds of wildebeest move through Tanzania and Kenya in search of fresh grazing and water. River crossings are dramatic moments within a continuous seasonal cycle shared with many other species.

Arctic terns breed in northern regions and migrate toward Antarctic waters, following productive seasons across the planet. Their annual route is among the longest known migrations of any animal.

Many salmon hatch in freshwater, grow in the ocean, and later navigate back toward their natal watershed to reproduce. The returning fish also transfer marine nutrients into river and forest ecosystems.

Seasonal rain triggers millions of red crabs to leave the forest and travel toward the coast to breed. Roads and public activity are managed around the movement as the island briefly becomes a living red landscape.