Samarkand, February 12, 2024 – First time ever Current status of migratory birds around the world The report was released today by the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS), at the opening of the major United Nations Conference on the Conservation of Wildlife (CMS COP14). This groundbreaking report reveals:
- Although some migratory bird species listed by CMS are improving, nearly half (44%) are experiencing population declines.
- More than one-fifth (22%) of CMS-listed species are threatened with extinction.
- Nearly all (97%) of CMS-registered fish are endangered.
- Migratory birds around the world are at increased risk of extinction, including species not listed by CMS.
- Half (51 percent) of CMS-listed key biodiversity areas identified as important for migratory birds are unprotected, and less than half (51 percent) of the key biodiversity areas identified as important for CMS-listed species are unprotected. 58 percent are exposed to unsustainable levels of anthropogenic pollution. pressure.
- The two biggest threats to both CMS-listed species and all migratory birds are overfishing and habitat loss due to human activities. Three out of four CMS-listed species are affected by habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation, and seven out of 10 CMS-listed species are overexploited (both intentional and accidental). (including natural capture).
- Climate change, pollution and invasive species are also severely impacting migratory bird species.
- There are currently 399 endangered or endangered migratory bird species worldwide that are not listed by CMS.
Until now, no such comprehensive assessment of migratory birds has been conducted. This report provides a global overview of the conservation status and population trends of migratory birds, combined with the latest information on their main threats and successful actions to save them.
Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme, said: “Today's report makes clear that unsustainable human activities not only serve as indicators of environmental change, but also jeopardize the future of migratory bird species that play an essential role in sustaining the environment. “The functioning and resilience of our planet’s complex ecosystems.” The international community has an opportunity to translate this cutting-edge science on the pressures faced by migratory birds into concrete conservation actions. Given the precarious situation of many of these animals, we cannot afford to delay and must work together to make the recommendations a reality. ”
Every year, billions of animals move across borders and continents on land, sea, and air, and some travel thousands of miles around the world to feed and reproduce.
Migratory birds play a critical role in maintaining the world's ecosystems, providing important benefits by pollinating plants, transporting vital nutrients, preying on pests, and helping store carbon.
The CMS was prepared for CMS by conservation scientists at the United Nations Environment Program World Conservation Monitoring Center (UNEP-WCMC). Current status of migratory birds around the world The report uses the world's most robust species dataset and features expert contributions from organizations including BirdLife International, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Zoological Society of London (ZSL) .
The primary focus of this report is on the 1,189 animal species recognized by CMS Parties to be in need of international protection and listed under the CMS, with an additional 3,000+ non-CMS migratory species. It also features analysis related to.
Species listed under this Convention are those that are at risk of extinction throughout all or most of their range, or that require concerted international action to improve their conservation status.
CMS Executive Director Amy Frankel said: “Migratory birds rely on different specific habitats at different times in their life cycles. They travel regularly, sometimes thousands of miles, to reach these locations. They face significant challenges and threats not only in their feeding destinations, but also along the way. When a species crosses national borders, its survival depends on the efforts of all countries in which it occurs. This breakthrough This report will help support much-needed policy action to ensure migratory bird species continue to thrive around the world.”
While positive trends were seen for many CMS species, the report's findings highlight the need for greater action for all migratory bird species. Listing a species on CMS means that these species require international cooperation to address their conservation. However, many of the threats facing these species are driving global environmental change, impacting biodiversity loss and climate change. Therefore, addressing migratory bird declines requires action across governments, the private sector, and other actors.
Over the past 30 years, the threat of extinction has increased for 70 CMS-listed migratory bird species, including the steppe eagle, Egyptian vulture, and wild camel. This is in contrast to just 14 species currently on the list of improved conservation status, including blue and humpback whales, white-tailed eagles, and black-faced spoonbills.
Most worryingly, nearly all CMS-listed fish species, including migratory sharks, rays, and sturgeon, have seen population declines of 90% since the 1970s and are at high risk of extinction. That's what I'm doing.
The report analyzes threats to the species and shows how the decline of migratory bird species is largely caused by human activities.
The two biggest threats to both CMS-listed species and all migratory birds are overfishing, which includes unsustainable hunting, overfishing, and capture of non-target animals such as fishing, and habitat loss from activities such as agriculture. Confirmed as loss, deterioration, and fragmentation. and expansion of transportation and energy infrastructure.
One key priority is to map important sites that serve as breeding, foraging, and stopover sites for migratory birds and protect them with appropriate measures. The report found that approximately 10,000 of the world's major biodiversity areas are important for migratory birds registered with CMS, but more than half (by area) are not designated as protected or conservation areas. is shown. Fifty-eight percent of critical monitoring sites for CMS-listed species are threatened by human activities.
The report also looked at how many migratory bird species are at risk but not covered by the Convention. As a result, 399 species of migratory birds, primarily birds and fish, including many albatrosses, perches, great white sharks, and stingrays, are classified as endangered or near-threatened but are not yet registered with CMS. found.
While the report highlights the alarming situation of many species, it also shows that recovery is possible for populations and species as a whole, highlighting examples of successful policy change and positive action from local to international levels. doing. Examples include a community partnership that reduced illegal bird netting by 91 percent in Cyprus, and a highly successful integrated conservation and restoration effort in Kazakhstan that brought the saiga antelope back from the brink of extinction. There are many things that can be mentioned.
of Current status of migratory birds around the world This report sounds a clear alarm and provides a set of priority recommendations for action, including:
- Strengthen and expand efforts to tackle illegal and unsustainable harvesting of migratory birds and incidental harvesting of non-target species.
- Strengthen measures to identify, protect, connect and effectively manage critical migratory bird sites.
- Urgently address the most endangered species, including nearly all CMS-listed fish species.
- Scale up efforts to tackle climate change, light, noise, chemicals and plastic pollution.
- Consider expanding the CMS list to include more at-risk migratory bird species that require national and international attention.
The United Nations Conference on Wildlife Conservation (CMS COP14), which begins today in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, is one of the most important global biodiversity gatherings since the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (Biodiversity Plan). . This is also the first COP of the Global Environmental Convention to be held in the Central Asia region, which is home to many migratory birds, including the saiga antelope, snow leopard, and many species of migratory birds. Governments, wildlife organizations and scientists met for a week-long conference to consider actions to advance implementation of the treaty.of Current status of migratory birds around the world The report provides scientific evidence and policy recommendations, sets the context, and provides valuable information to support the deliberations of the conference.
Note to editor
About the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS)
The United Nations environmental treaty, the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS), provides a global platform for the conservation and sustainable use of migratory animals and their habitats. This unique treaty brings together governments and wildlife experts to address the conservation needs of migratory terrestrial, aquatic, and avian species and their habitats around the world. Since the Convention entered into force in 1979, its membership has grown to include 133 countries in Africa, Latin America, Asia, Europe, and Oceania.
About UNEP-WCMC
The United Nations Environment Program World Conservation Monitoring Center (UNEP-WCMC) is the global center of excellence for biodiversity and the contribution of nature to society and the economy. It is run as a collaboration between the United Nations Environment Program and British charity WCMC.
UNEP-WCMC addresses the global crises facing nature at the intersection of science, policy and practice, supporting the transition to a sustainable future for people and the planet.
about CMS Appendix
Appendix I Consists of migratory species that are assessed as threatened or endangered throughout all or a significant portion of their range. The Conference of the Parties further interpreted the term “endangered” to mean “facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future” (Resolution 11.33, para. 1). ). Parties that are range States of migratory birds listed in Annex I shall endeavor to strictly protect them by: Banning the collection of such species, with very limited exceptions. Protect and restore habitat where necessary. Prevent, remove and reduce obstacles to their migration and control other factors that may put them at risk.
Appendix II A list of migratory birds whose conservation status is unfavorable and whose conservation and management requires international agreements. It also includes species whose conservation status would greatly benefit from international cooperation, which could be achieved through international agreements.
For more information, please contact us below.
Aydin BaharamrouianPublic Relations Officer, Migratory Bird Convention Secretariat
emma cooperUNEP-WCMC Communication Manager
Natalie TaylorUNEP-WCMC Communications Officer
