One-fifth of migratory species on the CMS list are at risk. This is stated in report UN organizations.
We’re talking whales, sharks, elephants, wild cats, predators, birds, insects and others. A total of 1,189 species are listed on CMS.
The report stated that approximately 44 percent of the listed species experienced population declines. Of greatest concern is the situation of the world’s migratory fish: almost all, 97%, of CMS fish are at risk of extinction.
The report is the first to assess the status of migratory species and how they are trying to survive in a world dramatically changed by humans. The two biggest threats to these species were found to be overexploitation and habitat loss from human activities. We are talking about opening up lands for agriculture, roads and infrastructure. These activities also fragment the paths of migratory species, sometimes making it impossible for them to complete their journey.
Approximately 58% of areas identified as important for migratory species are affected by changes made by humans.
Climate change and pollution are also serious threats. Rising temperatures not only force some species to move further afield, but also force animals to move at other times of the year. For an animal separated out of season, this could mean the loss of its food or breeding partner.
A particularly striking example is the narwhal. Known for their spiral teeth, these untrained marine creatures spend summers mostly in ice-free coastal areas before migrating south to the deeper waters of the Arctic.
However, as the oceans warmed and the annual expansion of sea ice occurred later, scientists discovered that some narwhals were postponing their journeys, risking becoming trapped in sea ice if they were to be covered by ice in the fall because they had no mynas to breathe. .
Previous scientists I learned The effect of solar storms on bird migration.