The first expert assessment by the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) has found that over 22% of migratory species under international protection are at risk of extinction. The report covers 1,189 CMS-listed species and highlights the threats faced by migratory animals, including impacts from human pollution, invasive species, and the climate crisis. In addition, 44% of the listed species are experiencing population declines, with 97% of sharks, rays, and sturgeons facing a high risk of extinction.
These findings come as governments gather for a summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan to discuss the protection of the world’s migratory species. The report’s recommendations include minimizing human infrastructure on migration paths and understanding and protecting crucial areas for migrations. Despite conservation efforts, the report also identifies 70 listed species, including the steppe eagle, Egyptian vulture, and wild camel, with decreasing populations over the past 30 years.
In light of the findings, UN Environment Chief Inger Andersen urged the global community to translate the latest science into concrete conservation action. The report’s authors emphasized the importance of addressing the drivers of environmental change, such as agriculture, urban sprawl, and the need to maintain ecosystem integrity to protect crucial breeding, feeding, and travel sites for migratory species.
The assessment highlights the need for international coordination to protect the survival of migratory species. While the report identifies the threats faced by listed migratory species, it also points out that there are 399 threatened migratory species that are not listed under the convention. The report underscores the urgency of taking action to protect these species and addresses the global trend towards increased extinction risk among migratory animals. With the precarious situation of many migratory species, there is a call to urgently address conservation efforts before it’s too late.
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