UN Report on Migratory Species

The interim update of the UN State of the World’s Migratory Species Report 2024 highlights a worrying global trend, stating that 49% of migratory species populations are declining under the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals.

Key Findings of the Report

Population Decline and Rising Extinction Risk

The report shows that nearly half of all CMS-listed species are experiencing population decline, while only 38% are stable or increasing. At the same time, the share of species facing extinction has risen to 24%.

Deteriorating Conservation Status

Out of 386 species reassessed since 2022, 34 species have shifted to different conservation categories, with most moving to more threatened categories on the IUCN Red List.

A significant proportion of these are migratory shorebirds (69%), which are particularly vulnerable due to habitat degradation at breeding and stopover sites.

Emerging and Persistent Threats

Migratory species are facing multiple threats, both new and existing.

• Avian Flu (H5N1): The emergence of highly pathogenic avian influenza has caused mass mortality in birds and marine mammals, including penguins and seals.

• Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: Infrastructure development such as roads and railways is disrupting migration routes, reducing mobility and survival rates.

• Overexploitation and Bycatch: Marine species like sharks and rays are heavily affected by overfishing, while raptors face threats from poisoning and collisions.

• Conservation Success Stories

Despite the overall negative trends, the report also highlights successful conservation outcomes. Species like the Scimitar-horned Oryx, Saiga Antelope, and Mediterranean Monk Seal have shown recovery due to targeted interventions.

What are Migratory Species?

Migratory species are animals that move periodically between different geographical regions for breeding, feeding, or resting. These movements are predictable and essential for their survival.

They include a wide range of species such as birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, and even insects.

About the CMS (Bonn Convention)

The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals is an international treaty adopted in 1979 to protect migratory species and their habitats. It is administered by the United Nations Environment Programme and came into force in 1983.

The Convention classifies species into:

• Appendix I: Species that are endangered and require strict protection

• Appendix II: Species that need international cooperation for conservation

India’s Role in Migratory Species Conservation

India holds significant importance due to its location along major migratory routes, especially the Central Asian Flyway, which supports numerous bird species.

It is home to several migratory species, including birds like the Siberian Crane, mammals like the Asian Elephant, and marine species such as the Olive Ridley Turtle.

Measures Needed for Conservation

Habitat Protection and Restoration

Efforts must focus on expanding protected areas, restoring degraded ecosystems, and ensuring ecological connectivity between habitats.

Reducing Overexploitation

Strict regulations are required to curb illegal hunting, overfishing, and bycatch, along with stronger international cooperation.

Controlling Pollution

Measures should be taken to reduce light pollution, plastic waste, pesticide use, and underwater noise that affect migratory species.

Addressing Climate Change

Climate-resilient conservation strategies, including ecosystem restoration and careful planning of renewable energy projects, are essential.

Conclusion

The report serves as a critical warning about the declining state of migratory species globally. However, it also shows that effective conservation actions can yield positive results