Great Migrations: 4 Migratory Species Success Stories

In the vast tapestry of life that crisscrosses the planet, migratory species embroider intricate patterns in mostly invisible lines across borders, oceans and continents. These journeys — shaped by ancient instincts, seasonal rhythms and shifting landscapes — connect ecosystems thousands of miles apart.

Some of the world’s most powerful migrations still endure. In East Africa, vast herds of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle move in near-constant motion across the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem, following rainfall and fresh grass across international boundaries. Far to the north, monarch butterflies — no heavier than a paper clip — undertake a multigenerational migration from the United States and Canada to the high mountain forests of central Mexico. Vast or fragile, thunderous or silent, these migrations depend on something increasingly rare: intact ecological connectivity.

That reality was underscored in early 2024 at the most recent Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), where the United Nations released its first global report on migratory species. The conference theme, Nature Knows No Borders, reflected the report’s central message: migratory wildlife cannot survive without connected landscapes and coordinated conservation across nations.

At that gathering, Nat Hab’s conservation partner, World Wildlife Fund, joined with other global organizations to launch the Global Partnership on Ecological Connectivity (GPEC), a collaborative effort designed to protect and restore the large-scale habitat networks migratory species require.

“We are convinced that achieving ecological connectivity is the challenge of our time. However, no one entity can achieve connectivity alone. This partnership is a significant leap forward in our collective ability to deliver connectivity impact at scale.”
— Rafael Antelo, WWF Wildlife Connect Leader and PACHA Coordinator

Global Threats to Migratory Species

The UN report highlights some of nature’s most remarkable journeys while delivering a sobering warning: nearly half of the migratory species assessed are experiencing population declines and more than 20% are threatened with extinction.

The most significant pressures are human-driven. Overexploitation — including unsustainable hunting, overfishing and bycatch — remains a leading cause of decline. Habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation caused by agriculture, infrastructure and urban expansion have severed many traditional migration routes.

Climate change compounds these threats. Rising temperatures, altered rainfall patterns and shifting seasons disrupt food availability and breeding cycles, while pollution and invasive species further strain already stressed populations.

Yet the report also offers hope. Coordinated conservation efforts, particularly those focused on restoring connectivity at scale, have demonstrated that recovery is possible. Several migratory species are already rebounding — living proof that targeted action works.

1. Humpback Whale: The Ocean’s Melodious Giants

The humpback whale is celebrated for its acrobatic displays and complex songs, making it one of the most recognizable cetaceans on Earth. Adults typically measure 46 to 56 feet long, with pectoral fins reaching up to 16 feet — among the longest of any whale species. Humpbacks are also the only baleen whales known to breach completely out of the water.

Humpback Migration

Humpback whales undertake some of the longest migrations of any mammal, traveling up to 9,900 miles annually between polar feeding grounds and tropical or subtropical breeding areas.

In the North Pacific, whales migrate between Alaska’s nutrient-rich waters and the Hawaiian Islands, completing the roughly 3,000-mile journey in as few as 28 days. Nat Hab’s Ultimate Alaska Wildlife Safari visits private Fox Island near Kenai Fjords National Park, offering exceptional opportunities to observe humpbacks feeding and traveling along this ancient route.

In the Southern Hemisphere, populations migrate from Antarctic feeding grounds to breeding areas off the coasts of Colombia, Madagascar and Australia, timing their journeys to ensure access to abundant food and safe calving waters.

Once driven to the brink of extinction by commercial whaling, humpback whales have staged a remarkable comeback. Current population estimates indicate that some regional populations are approaching pre-whaling numbers, including more than 40,000 individuals in eastern Australian waters alone.

Conservation Comeback

Key conservation measures behind this recovery include:

• International Whaling Ban: The International Whaling Commission’s moratorium on commercial whaling since 1985

• Habitat Protection: Safeguarded feeding and breeding areas in Alaska, Australia, Iceland and British Columbia

• Entanglement Reduction: Fishing-gear modifications and response networks to reduce whale mortality

• Vessel Traffic Management: Shipping regulations that reduce ship strikes in busy corridors

• Research and Monitoring: Long-term population studies guiding conservation strategy

• Public Engagement: Responsible whale-watching tourism that builds awareness and support

“Connectivity conservation recognizes that species survive and adapt better when their habitats are managed and protected as large, interconnected networks.”
— Chris Johnson, Global Lead, WWF Protecting Whales & Dolphins Initiative

Concerted conservation efforts have led to a remarkable recovery, with some humpback populations nearing pre-whaling numbers. The humpback whale’s improved status is a testament to the effectiveness of international conservation cooperation and dedicated conservation actions. More species need this kind of help.

Chris Johnson, Global Lead, WWF Protecting Whales & Dolphins Initiative says:

“The conservation needs and threats to migratory species need to be addressed with greater effectiveness, at a broader scale, and with renewed determination. Connectivity conservation is a concept that recognizes that species survive and adapt better when their habitats are managed and protected as large, interconnected networks.” 

Monarch Butterfly: A Delicate Dance

The monarch butterfly’s migration is one of nature’s most intricate phenomena, spanning multiple generations and thousands of miles. With their vivid orange-and-black wings, monarchs are both pollinators and powerful symbols of ecological interdependence.

Monarch Migration

Eastern monarchs migrate 1,200 to 2,800 miles from breeding grounds across the United States and southern Canada to overwintering sites in the oyamel fir forests of central Mexico. There, millions cluster together for protection from winter cold within the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve.

Long-term monitoring has shown significant population declines driven by habitat loss, pesticide use and climate variability. Recent assessments indicate that overwintering populations can fluctuate dramatically from year to year, underscoring the species’ vulnerability.

Conservation efforts focus on protecting migratory corridors and restoring breeding habitat, particularly through the planting of native milkweed, the monarch caterpillar’s sole food source. The eastern monarch is currently listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Nat Hab’s Kingdom of the Monarchs journeys provide access to protected overwintering sites while supporting local conservation initiatives and community-based stewardship in Mexico.

Western monarchs, which migrate to coastal California, experienced even steeper declines — at one point dropping by more than 99% from historic levels. Recent counts show encouraging rebounds following habitat restoration and pesticide reduction, though populations remain far below long-term averages.

Western monarch butterflies, residing west of the Rocky Mountains, migrate to overwintering sites along the Pacific coast, particularly in California. This population has also experienced a dramatic decline, with numbers falling by over 99% since the 1980s.

However, recent counts have shown a rebound to the highest numbers since 2000, with over 335,000 butterflies counted during the 2022 annual Thanksgiving Western Monarch Count in California and Arizona. This increase is a testament to the concerted conservation actions taken to protect and manage overwintering sites, restore breeding and migratory habitat, and reduce pesticide impact.

Conservation Comeback

Conservation groups have been working tirelessly to reverse the decline of both eastern and western monarch populations. These efforts include:

•       Habitat Restoration: Creating and maintaining monarch-friendly habitats with native plants, including milkweed and nectar sources.

•       Pesticide Reduction: Advocating for and implementing practices that reduce the use of harmful pesticides that can affect monarchs at all stages of their life cycle.

•       Public Engagement: Engaging communities through education and citizen science projects to raise awareness and encourage local conservation actions.

•       Policy and Legislation: Supporting policies that protect monarch habitats and migratory paths, such as the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act and the MONARCH Act.

These initiatives have led to positive outcomes, but the conservation status of the monarch butterfly remains precarious, with the eastern population listed as Endangered and the western population still far below historic numbers. Recent upticks in western monarch numbers provide hope and underscore the importance of ongoing conservation efforts.

Saiga Antelope: Back from the Brink of Extinction

The saiga antelope is distinguished by its bulbous nose, which functions to filter dust and regulate temperature. This medium-sized hoofed mammal once ranged from Poland to Mongolia but now primarily resides in the Eurasian steppe: Kazakhstan, Russia and Mongolia.

Saiga Migration

Saigas are known for their impressive migrations, traveling vast distances between their winter and summer pastures in search of food and breeding grounds. These seasonal movements are crucial for their survival, allowing them to navigate the harsh steppe environment. 

Despite facing severe threats from poaching, habitat loss and disease, conservation efforts have led to a remarkable recovery, showcasing the species’ resilience and the effectiveness of international cooperation in wildlife conservation.

At its lowest point, the population of saiga antelopes dwindled to a perilous low of just 39,000 individuals in 2005.

Conservation Comeback

Concerted conservation actions have seen the saiga population in Kazakhstan increase tenfold since 2015, demonstrating the effectiveness of international cooperation and targeted conservation actions.

Amy Fraenkel, head of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) secretariat, uses the saiga antelope as an example of successful internal conservation cooperation, saying, 

We know what needs to be done. There is a lot of reason for hope. …In some cases, we can use a regional approach. We have an initiative in Central Asia called the Central Asian Mammal Initiative. It includes all 5 Central Asian countries and a few others, including Mongolia. We look at species of antelopes and gazelles. The countries have agreed on a set of priorities. There are some good successes, including the saiga antelope, which had been in massive decline, and now there are 2 million of them in Kazakstan. It’s wonderful to see that kind of a result.

Saiga antelope conservation initiatives include:

• International Conservation Agreements: Countries within the saiga’s range (Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Russia and Uzbekistan) have agreed on joint conservation measures under the CMS to conserve and sustainably use the species. 
• Anti-Poaching Efforts: Increased anti-poaching patrols and stricter penalties have been crucial in protecting the saiga from illegal hunting.

• Habitat Protection: Efforts to improve and restore the saiga’s habitat have been implemented, ensuring they have safe migratory routes and breeding grounds. 

• Population Monitoring: Regular population counts and monitoring have helped track the success of conservation efforts and make informed decisions.

• Community Engagement: Involving local communities in conservation programs has been key to the sustainable management of the saiga populations.

• Disease Management: Addressing wildlife diseases that have previously led to mass die-offs has been a part of the conservation strategy.

Saiga antelope status has improved from ‘Critically Endangered’ to ‘Near Threatened,’ with current estimates of over 1.9 million to 2 million individuals today.

Black-faced Spoonbill: Pan-Asia Flier

The black-faced spoonbill, with its striking black face and long, flat bill, is a wading bird that inhabits the coastal areas of East Asia. This endangered species has the most restricted distribution among spoonbills, breeding on a few islands off North Korea and then migrating and wintering in places like Taiwan, Hong Kong and Vietnam.

In the late 1980s, the global population of black-faced spoonbill dipped below 300 individuals, but concerted conservation efforts have led to a significant recovery. As of the 2022 global census, the population stands at 6,162 individuals. This remarkable turnaround is a testament to the power of international cooperation in species conservation.

Key conservation actions for the black-faced spoonbill include:

•       International Action Plans: Implemented in 1995 and 2010–2020, these plans have played a pivotal role in the species’ recovery.

•       Habitat Protection: Ensuring the full protection of breeding and wintering sites, including the establishment of protected areas and reserves.

•       Community Involvement: Engaging local residents and raising awareness about the spoonbill’s conservation needs, which has been crucial for habitat preservation.

•       International Cooperation: Countries along the bird’s migratory route have collaborated to preserve essential habitats and manage conservation efforts.

The black-faced spoonbill’s conservation status, currently listed as ‘Endangered,’ reflects the ongoing challenges it faces, such as habitat loss and pollution. However, the species’ recovery score has improved, indicating that with continued efforts, full recovery is possible within the next century.

This species’ story is a beacon of hope, showing that with dedicated action and international collaboration, the decline of threatened species can be reversed. The black-faced spoonbill remains a symbol of the success that can be achieved through shared conservation goals.

How to Help Protect Migratory Species

When asked what we can do to support migratory species, Fraenkel points first to reducing light pollution, saying:

Every year, 2% more of Earth is illuminated, including at night. Light, like other kinds of disturbances, can have a significant impact on migratory species. It’s killing hundreds of millions of birds per year. It’s solvable.

She encourages each of us to learn how to reduce the impact of light pollution, which can include changes as simple as the kind of light used or the way it is pointed.

Domestic animals can also have a significant negative impact on migratory species. We love our cats, but they can act as an invasive species, making avian migration even more dangerous.

Finally, it is beneficial to continue focusing on sustainable use, reducing the use of energy and water, and increasing the well-being of local ecosystems.

We can also support conservation organizations, advocate for sustainable practices and educate others about the importance of migratory species. 

As we reflect on the data and stories shared at CMS COP14, let us commit to being stewards of these migratory marvels. Their journeys are part of our shared natural heritage, a source of wonder, and a reminder of the interconnectedness of all life on Earth. Together, we can ensure that great migrations continue for generations.

Witness some of Earth’s greatest migrations on Nat Hab’s migration-focused trips!