Mapping the Great Migration: Seasonal Movement & Hotspot Analysis

This project visualizes the Great Migration through a combination of migration route maps and seasonal heat maps to reveal spatial and temporal movement patterns of migratory wildlife in the Serengeti ecosystem. The migration map illustrates the primary movement corridors, while the heat maps highlight seasonal hotspots areas where animals concentrate during specific periods of the year. These hotspots indicate critical grazing zones, river crossings, and ecological bottlenecks that are essential for species survival.

Paths of Survival: Mapping the Great Serengeti–Masai Mara Migration

What it is:

The Great Migration is the annual movement of over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, across the grasslands of East Africa in search of fresh grazing and water. This natural phenomenon is driven by seasonal rains and is one of the largest and most impressive wildlife migrations in the world.

Where it happens:

Tanzania: Serengeti National Park

Kenya: Maasai Mara National Reserve

The migration forms a continuous loop of ~1,000 km annually between Tanzania and Kenya.

When it happens:

January – March: Calving season in the southern Serengeti (newborn wildebeest are born).

April – May: Wildebeest start moving northwest as the southern grasslands dry up.

June – July: Herds move through central Serengeti.

July – October: The herds reach Maasai Mara in Kenya, crossing rivers like the Mara River, facing predators and crocodiles.

November – December: They return south to the Serengeti for the wet season.

Why it matters:

Ecological importance: The migration maintains grassland health, fertilizes soils, and supports predator populations.

Tourism: Millions of tourists visit each year, making it a key driver for East Africa’s economy.

Conservation: The migration highlights the importance of transboundary conservation between Tanzania and Kenya.

Key Challenges:

Habitat loss due to human activities and agriculture.

Climate change affecting rainfall patterns.

Poaching and human-wildlife conflict.

Fun Fact: The wildebeest river crossings are among the most dramatic wildlife spectacles on Earth, with predators like lions and crocodiles waiting for the opportunity.

How Vegetation Greenness Shapes the Migration of the Swainson’s Thrush

The Swainson’s Thrush (Catharus ustulatus) is a long-distance migratory bird whose annual journey across the Americas is closely linked to seasonal changes in vegetation. Using monthly NDVI data (January–December), this study shows how the species follows areas of high vegetation productivity throughout the year. During January–February, Swainson’s Thrushes remain in the green tropical forests of South America, where food is abundant.

As NDVI increases across Central America in March–April, the birds begin their northward migration, tracking newly growing vegetation. Peak NDVI in May–June across Canada and Alaska supports breeding by providing high insect availability. When vegetation declines in July–August, the birds prepare for migration by storing energy. In September–October, they move south through forested corridors and productive stopover habitats. By November–December, rising NDVI in the Amazon signals a return to wintering grounds. This simple NDVI-based visualization highlights how seasonal vegetation dynamics guide migration routes and demonstrates the value of remote sensing for understanding and conserving migratory birds.

SWAINSON’S THRUSH (Catharus ustulatus)

A small, shy, and beautifully melodic songbird that migrates thousands of kilometres across the Americas. Known for its spiral, flute-like call, the Swainson’s Thrush prefers dense forests, thickets, and cool woodlands — often staying hidden but filling the air with music. This species is also a remarkable long-distance migrant, travelling from North America to South America each year. Its migration showcases incredible endurance and the importance of protecting stopover habitats along the flyways.

Global Air Masses & Ocean Currents

Sharing a detailed world map that illustrates how air masses, prevailing winds, and major ocean currents interact to shape global climate systems. This visualization highlights the powerful movement of heat and energy across our planet’s atmosphere and oceans.

Key features shown:Line one.
• Global air masses and pressure zonesLine one.
• Prevailing wind systems (Trades, Westerlies, Monsoons, etc.)Line one.
• Warm and cold ocean currentsLine one.
• Seasonal atmospheric circulation patterns

Mapping Bald Eagle Abundance Across North America

Bald Eagle populations shift across the continent throughout the year. Northern eagles migrate south as winter freezes their hunting grounds, while many in the lower U.S. remain resident year-round. My map highlights where Bald Eagles are most abundant during the breeding season and non-breeding season, showing how habitat, climate, and prey availability shape their movement patterns. A beautiful reminder of how dynamic and resilient this species is and how spatial data helps us understand wildlife at a continental scale.

Mapping the Range of Hylochoerus meinertzhageni

The giant forest hog (Hylochoerus meinertzhageni) is one of Africa’s most fascinating and elusive mammals. Native to the dense forests of central and western Africa, this species remains relatively understudied, making every bit of data about its distribution valuable. This map illustrates the known geographic range of the species, highlighting areas where it naturally occurs. Understanding its distribution is crucial for conservation, ecological research, and biodiversity monitoring.

By visualizing its range, researchers and conservationists can identify priority areas for protection, study habitat preferences, and track changes in populations over time. Mapping species distributions is a powerful tool. It not only informs scientific research and conservation strategies but also helps raise awareness about lesser-known wildlife and the importance of preserving Africa’s rich biodiversity.

Data Source: [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hylochoerus_meinertzhageni_range_map.png] Projection: Orthographic

By making species range information accessible and visual, we can better understand and protect the ecosystems that sustain them.