Migratory species facing peril globally show the report, as CMS COP14 begins in Samarkand

Subject: Environment

Section: International Conventions

Context:

A report released at the 14th Conference of Parties (COP14) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) of Wild Animals in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on February 12, 2024, highlights the dire situation facing millions of migratory animal species due to human-induced pressures.

Details:

The State of the World’s Migratory Species report points out that aquatic ecosystems suffer the most, with 97% of migratory fish listed under CMS at risk of extinction, experiencing significant declines in abundance over the past 50 years. Additionally, 28 fish species are classified as ‘Critically Endangered’ according to the IUCN’s Red List.
The CMS finds that 44% of its listed species are seeing population declines, with one in five at risk of extinction.
A staggering 82% of Appendix I species are threatened with extinction and 76% show declining population trends.
Similarly, 18% of Appendix II species are threatened, with almost 42% displaying declining population trends.
The report bases its findings on data from the IUCN Red List assessment and the Living Planet Index, revealing that out of 4,508 migratory species assessed globally and occurring in multiple range states, 74% are not currently listed in the CMS appendices.
Of these non-CMS species, 8% are considered ‘Globally Threatened,’ and 4% are ‘Near Threatened.’

What are the causes?

The extensive threats faced by migratory species due to overexploitation, habitat loss, and other anthropogenic pressures.
Key findings include that 89% of Appendix I species are affected by overexploitation, while 86% suffer from habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation.
Similar pressures impact Appendix II species, albeit at slightly lower percentages.
Significant threats identified include bycatch, particularly for seabirds like albatrosses and petrels,Illegal killing, and overfishing.
Habitat encroachment from agriculture, infrastructure development, and pollution from various sources are also major concerns, affecting ecosystems and migratory paths across the globe.
The report highlights the adverse effects of noise, light, plastic, and chemical pollution on various species, including birds and marine animals.

Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals

Also known as the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) or the Bonn Convention, is an international agreement that aims to conserve migratory species throughout their ranges.
The Agreement was signed under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Programme and is concerned with conservation of wildlife and habitats on a global scale.
Signed in 1979 in Bonn, West Germany, the Convention entered into force in 1983. As of September 2020, there are 131 Member States to the Convention.
The depositary is the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany.
The CMS is the only global, and United Nations-based, intergovernmental organization established exclusively for the conservation and management of terrestrial, aquatic and avian migratory species.
Under this convention, migratory species threatened with extinction are listed on Appendix I and Parties strive towards strictly protecting these animals, conserving or restoring the places where they live, mitigating obstacles to migration and controlling other factors that might endanger them.
Migratory species that need conservation and management or would significantly benefit from international co-operation are listed in Appendix II of the Convention.

Source: DTE