CAMPO GRANDE, Brazil – Forty migratory species, from the iconic snowy owl – made famous by the Harry Potter series – to the elusive giant otter of Brazil, have been granted increased international protection following a landmark agreement reached Sunday at the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) of the Convention on the Migratory Species (CMS). The decision, backed by over 130 countries, underscores a growing global recognition of the urgent require to safeguard species increasingly threatened by habitat loss, climate change, and human activity.
The inclusion of these species under the CMS framework commits signatory nations to legally binding obligations to protect them, conserve their habitats, minimize obstacles to their migration routes, and collaborate internationally on preservation efforts. This represents a significant step forward in addressing the alarming decline of migratory populations worldwide, with nearly half (49%) of all species listed by the CMS now showing population declines, and almost a quarter facing global extinction, according to a recent report presented at the conference.
Among the newly protected species is the harfang des neiges, or snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus), a majestic bird whose population has plummeted by roughly one-third over the last three decades. The CMS attributes this decline to a combination of climate change and overexploitation, highlighting the vulnerability of even well-known species. The agreement comes at a critical time, as changing climate patterns disrupt traditional migration routes and food availability for countless animals.
The COP15, held in the Brazilian city of Campo Grande, similarly added the Hudsonian sandpiper (Limosa haemastica) to the list of protected species. This long-billed shorebird undertakes an extraordinary annual journey of approximately 30,000 kilometers (18,641 miles) along the Americas, from the Arctic Ocean to Patagonia. Also gaining protection are the great hammerhead shark (Sphyrna mokarran), a critically endangered marine predator, the striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), and the Brazilian giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), a keystone species in the Pantanal, one of the world’s most biodiverse regions, located south of the Amazon rainforest.
A Binding Commitment to Conservation
The Convention on Migratory Species, initially established in 1979 with a treaty signed in Bonn, Germany, is a legally binding international agreement. So that participating countries aren’t simply making pledges; they are legally obligated to implement measures to protect the listed species. These measures include habitat restoration, minimizing barriers to migration – such as dams and fences – and international cooperation to address threats that cross national borders.
Joao Paulo Capobianco, president of COP15, emphasized the significance of the progress made. “We have had very significant advances, not only in the approval of protected species, but also in concerted actions and the analysis of various subjects that affect migrations,” he told Agence France-Presse. He further explained that the species are suffering from habitat degradation, pollution, and, crucially, the accelerating impacts of climate change.
The changing climate is already altering migration patterns, forcing some species to shift their timing in response to seasonal changes. This can lead to a mismatch between migration schedules and the availability of essential food resources, jeopardizing their survival. “Some species are modifying their period of migration according to changes in seasons and may not find certain food resources that should be available at that time of year,” Capobianco noted.
Beyond Birds and Otters: A Wider Crisis
The urgency of the situation extends beyond the species specifically added to the CMS list. A recent United Nations report highlighted the “collapse” of migrations essential for the survival of freshwater fish species, such as eels, due to habitat degradation, overfishing, and the construction of dams. The report, published by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), underscores the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the far-reaching consequences of disrupting natural migration patterns.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, in his opening address at COP15 a week prior, powerfully articulated the broader implications of protecting migratory species. “In crossing the continents and linking distant ecosystems, these species reveal that nature knows no borders between states,” he said. “Protecting these animals is protecting the life of the planet.”
Looking Ahead: Germany to Host the 50th Anniversary
The next meeting of the CMS, COP16, is scheduled to take place in Germany in 2029, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the convention. This milestone will provide an opportunity to assess the progress made in implementing the commitments agreed upon in Campo Grande and to chart a course for the future of migratory species conservation. The focus will likely be on strengthening international cooperation, addressing the root causes of habitat loss, and mitigating the impacts of climate change on migration routes.
The success of the CMS ultimately depends on the willingness of signatory nations to translate their legal obligations into concrete actions on the ground. Protecting these vulnerable species requires a sustained, collaborative effort, recognizing that the fate of migratory animals is inextricably linked to the health of the planet and the well-being of future generations.
The international community’s commitment to protecting migratory species is a vital step, but continued vigilance and action are crucial. Share this article to raise awareness about the challenges facing these incredible animals and the importance of preserving their journeys for generations to come.
