State of World’s Migratory Species Report
Context:
A new interim report updating the landmark "State of World's Migratory Species" has been released ahead of the upcoming COP15 summit in Brazil.
The report, published under the UN's Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), serves as a critical reassessment of the health and status of migratory wildlife globally
Key Findings:
Currently, 49% of the migratory species protected under the CMS are experiencing population declines. This represents a concerning 5% increase in just two years.
Alarmingly, 24% of these protected species are now facing extinction, marking a 2% rise over the same two-year period.
The original 2024 assessment was the first comprehensive global review of its kind, directly covering 1,189 CMS-listed species while linking its analysis to over 3,000 additional migratory species.
Major Threats:
The report highlights that "overexploitation" and "habitat loss and fragmentation" remain the two greatest overarching threats to migratory species worldwide.
Infrastructure Impact:
There are acute threats to the migration of hooved animals (ungulates) stemming from linear infrastructure such as railways, roads, fences, and pipelines, particularly in Central Asia.
For example, between 2002 and 2021, the mobility of the Mongolian Gazelle—a nomadic species known for some of the longest-distance movements ever recorded—declined significantly due to these barriers.
The broader species facing steep population declines or extinction risks range from avian species (threatened by bird flu and mass mortality) to freshwater fish, and marine species including sharks, rays, and turtles.
India-Specific Concerns:
The broader report data notes pronounced long-term declines in migratory shorebirds at coastal sites in India.
Furthermore, sharks and rays in the northern Indian Ocean face severe extinction risks, though South Asia has seen a slow but positive improvement in its native vulture populations.