Nature
UN report sees serious threat to migratory animal species
A green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) swims in the Red Sea. Sea turtles are migratory species. photo
© Andrey Nekrasov/Zuma Press/dpa
Many people are fascinated by the amazing migrations of many animals over thousands of kilometers. But a UN report warns: The animals face considerable danger – especially in the seas.
The 14th CMS conference began there on Monday under the motto “Nature knows no boundaries”. Government representatives, scientists and conservationists will discuss the challenges for nature conservation with regard to migratory birds and migratory land and marine animals until February 17th. It is also about the threats they face from fishing, habitat loss and climate change.
Billions of animals undertake migrations on land, sea and air every year, crossing national borders and continents, with some traveling thousands of miles across the globe in search of food and mating partners. These include salmon and sea turtles, storks and terns, wildebeest and elephants.
Climate change also plays a role
Things are particularly bad with fish populations: almost all – 97 percent – of the fish species listed under the CMS are threatened with extinction. These included migratory sharks, rays and sturgeons, whose populations have declined by 90 percent since the 1970s. The two biggest threats to migratory species are excessive exploitation, such as fishing, and habitat loss due to human activity. Climate change, pollution and invasive species would also have major negative impacts.
The global community must act now, demanded Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). “Given the precarious situation of many of these animals, we cannot afford to delay and must work together to turn the recommendations into reality.” Migratory species played an essential role in maintaining the world’s ecosystems by pollinating plants, transporting important nutrients, controlling pests and helping to store carbon.
The report focuses on 1,189 animal species recognized by CMS Parties as worthy of international protection. But it also contains information on over 3,000 other migratory species.