Feb 2, 2025
Some animals travel incredible distances every year, navigating oceans, skies, and continents with remarkable precision. Here are ten species that undertake the longest migrations on Earth.
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This small seabird makes the longest migration of any animal, flying over 70,000 kilometres annually between the Arctic and Antarctic. It experiences two summers and endless daylight each year.
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Holding the record for the longest nonstop flight, this wader travels over 11,000 kilometres from Alaska to New Zealand in a single journey, surviving entirely on stored body fat.
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Trekking over 5,000 kilometres yearly, these hoofed nomads follow ancient migration routes, avoiding harsh winters and seeking fresh grazing lands. Their journey is crucial for ecosystem balance and survival.
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Born in freshwater rivers, these fish migrate thousands of kilometres to the ocean before returning upstream to spawn. Their incredible journey, battling strong currents, ensures future generations thrive.
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Known for their 'whale highways,' these massive creatures migrate nearly 20,000 kilometres yearly between Arctic feeding grounds and Mexican lagoons, where they give birth in warm, shallow waters.
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These gentle giants travel over 16,000 kilometres between feeding and breeding grounds. They navigate vast oceans, guided by instinct, warm waters, and their hauntingly beautiful songs.
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Crossing entire oceans, these ancient reptiles migrate over 16,000 kilometres between nesting beaches and jellyfish-rich waters. Their internal navigation guides them back to the exact beach where they hatched.
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Weighing less than a gram, these delicate insects fly up to 4,800 kilometres from North America to Mexico. They rely on generations to complete this astonishing round-trip journey.
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Covering around 65,000 kilometres yearly, these seabirds migrate in a giant figure-eight across the Pacific, following food sources. Their incredible endurance allows them to ride the ocean’s winds effortlessly.
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With the widest wingspan of any bird, this seabird glides effortlessly over oceans, covering millions of kilometres in its lifetime. It spends months at sea, only landing to breed.
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