Forced to vanish

The world has its first clear evidence on migratory species facing heightened levels of extinction risk due to human-led pressures

- HIMANSHU N

FOR THE first time, the world has compelling evidence that its migratory species, from butterflies and seabirds to wild cats, sea turtles and large whales that all travel long distances for food and habitat, are under threat. More than one in five such species listed under the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) is at risk of extinction, while nearly half of them show a declining population trend, says a new report released on February 12, 2024.

The "State of the World's Migratory Species" is the first-ever assessment of 1,189 migratory species listed under CMS, a treaty to conserve migratory species under the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). The findings are grim-260 of the species face extinction risks, while 520 see declining population trends. The report analyses migratory species as categorised in the CMS Appendices. Appendix I has 180 species that the 133 parties to cms are prohibited from “taking” (intentionally removing from the wild through hunting or fishing), with a few exceptions. The parties must work to conserve or restore their habitats. Some 82 per cent of Appendix I species face extinction risk and 76 per cent have declining population trends.

Appendix II species are those that cms perceives as having an “unfavourable” conservation status, which may benefit from agreements on management. This category has 1,127 species; however, 118 species are in both the appendices. Some 18 per cent of Appendix II species face extinction and nearly 42 per cent see declining population trends.