According to the report, the number of migratory species classified under the UN Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) is declining for over half (44%) of them. Among the species on the CMS list, over 50% face extinction threats. Ninety-seven percent of the fish on the list are in danger of going extinct.
Additionally at danger of extinction are the species that are not included on the convention’s list. Of all the migratory species that are deemed vulnerable, 76% are experiencing population declines, and 82% are in danger of going extinct. The risk exists everywhere in the world and is not specific to any one area.
Source: IAS Gyan
For the purpose of feeding and breeding, billions of animals traverse national borders; some even travel thousands of miles. Their vital roles in pollinating plants, transferring nutrients, catching pests, and storing carbon are just a few of the things they do to keep the world’s ecosystems in balance. Human activity that alters and jeopardises their living environment is the major hazard to their life. Air, water, and land pollution is a serious concern. The food is poisoned by pesticides and insecticides. As their base of prey diminishes or goes extinct, their food supplies also diminish.
The largest concerns, according to the research, are habitat fragmentation, degradation, and overexploitation. Numerous species have been wiped out via unsustainable hunting, overfishing, and the capture of non-target animals in fisheries. Numerous species’ habitats are under risk of destruction or damage due to agriculture and the growth of the transportation and energy infrastructure.
Many migratory birds have been observed to become disoriented and have their flight trajectories disrupted by city lights. Climate change poses an additional significant risk. The report urges coordination of plans between nations and organisations as well as action at the local and global levels.
Source: Wion
The recommendations call for increasing efforts to combat climate change as well as light, noise, chemical, and plastic pollution; they also call for stepping up efforts to combat illegal and unsustainable killing; identifying and protecting significant migratory sites; and implementing special measures to save the most vulnerable species, which includes almost all fish species on the CMS list. The paper affirms that recoveries are achievable and provides examples of recoveries achieved through effective policy reforms and proactive measures. The world would drastically alter and possibly even end for humans if large-scale migrating animals go extinct or experience population declines, as is now the case. We still do not understand how interconnected all life is.
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