Billions of animals move across the globe each year, with migratory species forming some of the most iconic journeys on Earth. From sea turtles, whales, and oceanic sharks to herds of elephants, wild cats, and hoofed mammals crossing plains and deserts, and from birds of prey to songbirds and even the monarch butterfly, these movements weave a shared natural heritage. A United Nations report on the state of migratory species highlights indicators of environmental change that threaten this global treasure, noting that one in five people is at risk of extinction if trends continue. [CMS]
Migratory species are described as a shared natural treasure whose survival is a responsibility shared by all, regardless of borders. This view comes from the CMS report, The situation of the world’s migratory species, which emphasizes that conservation is a collective duty beyond any single nation. [CMS]
The key finding is clear: the overall conservation status of migratory species is deteriorating. While CMS-listed species show some progress, the broader trend remains troubling. [CMS]
Protection measures are urgently needed. The report calls for a more effective, larger-scale response and renewed determination to safeguard migratory species. [CMS]
In particular, the authors argue for emergency measures to prevent extinction among species classified as Critically Endangered and Threatened. These groups represent a significant portion of marine and freshwater fish species and sea turtles listed by CMS. [CMS]
Overexploitation is the biggest threat
The report underscores a troubling fact: 399 threatened species are not yet covered by the Convention and require special attention because they cannot yet benefit from international protection. [CMS]
Among the most surprising findings is that overexploitation stands as the primary threat to many migratory species, surpassing habitat loss and fragmentation. [CMS]
Overexploitation involves removing wild populations from their natural habitat through hunting and fishing, including incidental capture of non-target species. Bycatch remains a major cause of mortality for many marine species listed by CMS. [CMS]
Habitat loss, fragmentation, and barriers to migratory movements continue to be the main threats facing migratory species, the text notes. Globally, about 49% of areas identified as key for CMS species receive some level of protection, but many important areas remain unmapped. [CMS]
This information informs regional adoption of protection measures and impacts the alignment of infrastructure investments and other economic activities with migratory needs. [CMS]
Moreover, many critical sites for migratory species appear repeatedly in CMS lists, yet about half face unsustainable conditions due to human impact. Other major threats include light and noise pollution, climate change, and invasive species that disrupt migratory patterns. [CMS]
Take action immediately
The authors outline essential steps: reduce unsustainable and illegal capture of migratory species; greatly lower bycatch; identify all important areas for migratory species and implement protective measures. [CMS]
International cooperation is deemed crucial to halt population declines, with urgent action needed. [CMS]
CMS currently hosts several collaborative projects, including two intergovernmental working groups addressing illegal killing, capture, and trade of migratory birds, along with multilateral efforts to secure the long-term survival of migratory mammals in Central Asia and carnivores in Africa. [CMS]
But these efforts must be strengthened and expanded to halt declines and promote recovery of populations and habitats. The document calls for identifying additional key areas, improving threat understanding, ensuring international recognition, and ensuring protection and connectivity or restoration where needed to reach ecological potential. [CMS]
All of this is important to help migratory birds adapt to climate change and to address the biodiversity crisis more effectively. [CMS]
There is hopeful news: the main drivers of population decline and species loss are understood, even though data gaps remain. [CMS]
Reference report: CMS State of the World’s Migratory Species report S.pdf. [CMS]
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Note: This document reflects ongoing concerns and calls for coordinated action to safeguard migratory species and their habitats across regions and borders. [CMS]