Species migration is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that has been studied extensively in various regions around the world, including Nebraska. Within the Great Plains, a unique combination of geography, climate, and ecosystem characteristics creates an environment that is conducive to widespread migration patterns among a diverse range of species.

One of the most prominent examples of species migration in Nebraska is the annual Sandhill Crane migration, which takes place at the Rowe Audubon Sanctuary in Gibbon, located in south-central Nebraska. Each spring, hundreds of thousands of Sandhill Cranes congregate at this sanctuary along the Platte River, where they stop to rest and refuel on their journey from wintering grounds in New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico to breeding grounds in Canada, Alaska, and the northern United States.

Research has shown that the Rowe Audubon Sanctuary is a critical stopover point for these birds, providing necessary habitat and food resources to sustain them during their long migration. Other species that migrate through Nebraska include the monarch butterfly, which migrates from Canada and the United States to overwintering grounds in Mexico, and the western meadowlark, which migrates from breeding grounds in the northern United States and Canada to wintering grounds in the southern United States.

Studies have also highlighted the role of climate change in altering species migration patterns in Nebraska and beyond. Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns have disrupted the delicate timing of migration events, with potentially far-reaching consequences for the long-term survival of these species. For example, research has shown that the duration of the Sandhill Crane migration is increasing, with birds arriving earlier in the spring and departing later in the fall, likely in response to changes in temperature and precipitation patterns.

The reasons for these shifts in migration patterns are complex and multifaceted, involving changes in daylight hours, temperature, and precipitation patterns, as well as shifts in food availability and other environmental factors. Understanding these changes is critical for conservation efforts aimed at protecting and preserving these species and their habitats. By studying species migration patterns, researchers and conservationists can better understand the impacts of climate change and develop effective strategies for mitigating these impacts.

In addition to climate change, human activities such as urbanization, agriculture, and infrastructure development are also affecting species migration patterns in Nebraska and beyond. Habitat destruction, fragmentation, and degradation have reduced the availability of habitat for migrating species, making it harder for them to find the resources they need to survive.

Overall, the study of species migration patterns is a critical area of research that has important implications for conservation and management of wildlife populations. By understanding these complex patterns and the factors that influence them, researchers and conservationists can develop effective strategies for protecting and preserving these species and their habitats.

Species migration patterns are also influenced by other geographic and ecological factors such as the availability of water sources, food sources, topography and land use.