Landmark UN Report Highlights Threats to Migratory Species and Calls for Global Conservation Efforts
Migratory species across the globe are facing extinction due to human interference, according to a groundbreaking report published by the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS). The report, which assesses the status of migratory species and their ability to survive in a world dramatically changed by humans, reveals that over one in five of the 1,189 listed creatures are threatened.
These migratory species include iconic animals such as leatherback turtles, whales, sharks, elephants, wild cats, raptors, birds, and insects. Alarmingly, 44% of the listed species are experiencing population declines, with migratory fish being the most at risk. A staggering 97% of migratory fish listed in the report are threatened with extinction.
The report identifies two major threats to migratory species: overexploitation and loss of habitat due to human activities. Activities such as land clearance for farming, roads, and infrastructure not only fragment migratory species’ pathways but also make it impossible for them to complete their journeys. Approximately 58% of important locations for migratory species are facing unsustainable levels of human pressure.
Climate change and pollution also pose significant threats. Warmer temperatures force some species to travel longer distances and can disrupt their migration patterns. For instance, narwhals, famous for their spiraled tusks, are delaying their journey due to delayed sea ice expansion caused by warming oceans. This delay puts them at risk of becoming trapped in sea ice with no openings to breathe through.
Habitat destruction caused by global warming, such as coral reef degradation, is another consequence affecting migratory species. Light pollution is making migration more dangerous for certain species, particularly birds. The report highlights that over 40,000 dead birds have been recovered since 1978 after colliding with buildings illuminated at night.
Sound pollution and plastic pollution are also contributing to the decline of migratory species. Mass whale strandings have been linked to sound pollution, while plastic pollution has led to mortality in albatrosses, large migratory seabirds.
The report emphasizes that these migratory species play a vital role in maintaining the Earth’s delicate ecological balance. Removing or declining these species will have negative impacts on the ecosystems they inhabit. For example, migrating bats act as pollinators for over 500 flowering plant species, helping maintain healthy forests and regulating insect populations.
Despite some positive trends, such as the increase in humpback whale populations, the overall picture is alarming. The report calls for strong global conservation efforts to protect migratory species. It was launched at a UN wildlife conservation conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, and highlights the need for international cooperation to address the threats faced by these species.
In conclusion, the landmark UN report underscores the urgent need for global conservation efforts to protect migratory species. Human activities such as overexploitation, habitat loss, climate change, and pollution are pushing these species towards extinction. Preserving these remarkable creatures is not only crucial for their survival but also for maintaining the balance of our planet’s ecosystems. International cooperation is essential as migratory species do not recognize political boundaries and require collective efforts to ensure their conservation.