It’s no secret that animals ranging from giant wildebeests to teeny tiny ants know how to get around. Some animals go amazing distances on foot, hoof, wing, or fin. Here are ten animals that travel the most in one year.
1. The Arctic Tern
The Arctic tern flies three times the distance from the moon and back in its 30-year lifespan, making it the symbol of migration. Scientists have found that these wondrous birds fly 1.5 million miles in a lifetime.
2. Sooty Shearwater
At a time, the scooty shearwater was believed to have the longest migration on Earth. But because of climate change, there have been limited food supplies, driving these beautiful creatures out of the North Pacific. They fly about 620 miles a day, searching for sustenance.
3. Bar-Tailed Godwit
The bar-tailed godwit has a one-of-a-kind migration route. They travel through Africa, New Zealand, Australia, East Asia, and beyond. They hold the record for the longest non-stop flight of any other animal on Earth.
4. Gray Whale
Gray whales travel for many reasons, including feeding and mating. They are always on the move, no matter what. Between December and January, mother gray whales stop in Mexico’s nursery lagoons, where they give birth. Most of their travels occur along coastlines, which is why they’re spotted so often!
5. Humpback Whale
During the winter, Humpback Whales travel to tropical waters to give birth. For the rest of the year, they stay in high-latitude polar waters. Their migrations occur at different times of the year, depending on which side of the equator they’re on!
6. Northern Elephant Seal
Did you know that the Northern elephant seal holds the record for the furthest mammal migration on Earth? They spend 250 to 300 days each year traveling from one place to another. 90% of their lives are spent exploring the open waters!
7. Leatherback Turtle
Leatherback turtles hold the record for the longest migration of any sea turtle on Earth. Their journey is a necessary component of their reproduction process! Sadly, they are an endangered species.
8. Adelie Penguins
Adelie penguins migrate in large groups with colonies of tens of thousands of penguins. Their journey is weather-related, and they follow the compass of the sun for approximately 11,000 miles every year.
9. Great White Shark
In 2004, scientists found that great white sharks travel from Africa to Australia and back every single year. They travel for food and mating! They have a life expectancy of 70 years, which means they could travel up to 483,000 miles in a lifetime!
10. Ants
Ants travel an average of 164 miles per 40 days on foot. When they’re traveling, they’re looking for food and hunting in swarms. But did you know they can eat up to 100,000 animals in a single day?
Source: 14 Of The Most Well-Traveled Creatures On The Planet
