Nearly Half of World’s Migratory Wildlife in Decline
Context:
A recent interim update of the “State of the World’s Migratory Species states that nearly half of the migratory species protected under a UN treaty are experiencing population decline. The findings come ahead of the CMS COP15 meeting scheduled in Campo Grande, Brazil, from 23–29 March 2026.
Key Findings of the Report:
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- Nearly Half of Migratory Species Are Declining: The report presents alarming statistics about the status of migratory wildlife globally. Around 49% of migratory species populations are declining, while 24% of species are currently threatened with extinction. Out of 1,189 species listed under the treaty, nearly 582 species are experiencing population decline.
- Multiple Species Groups Affected: The decline in migratory wildlife affects a wide range of species across ecosystems. These include birds, which are impacted by habitat loss and disease outbreaks; ungulates or hoofed animals such as wildebeest; freshwater fish; and marine species like sharks, rays and sea turtles.
- Growing Extinction Risks: The interim report highlights that 26 migratory species have moved to higher extinction-risk categories on the IUCN Red List. Among these, 18 are migratory shorebirds, indicating serious threats to coastal and wetland ecosystems. However, some species have shown improvement due to conservation efforts, including the Saiga Antelope, Scimitar-horned Oryx, and Mediterranean Monk Seal, demonstrating that targeted conservation measures can produce positive outcomes.
- Nearly Half of Migratory Species Are Declining: The report presents alarming statistics about the status of migratory wildlife globally. Around 49% of migratory species populations are declining, while 24% of species are currently threatened with extinction. Out of 1,189 species listed under the treaty, nearly 582 species are experiencing population decline.
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Major Threats to Migratory Species:
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- Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: Habitat destruction remains one of the most serious threats to migratory wildlife. Rapid urban expansion, coastal development, and wetland degradation can disrupt migratory pathways and reduce available habitats.
- Overexploitation: Excessive hunting, fishing, and wildlife trade significantly reduce populations of migratory animals and increase their vulnerability to extinction.
- Infrastructure Barriers: Large-scale infrastructure such as railways, roads, fences, and pipelines can block traditional migration routes, particularly for ungulates in regions such as Central Asia.
- Disease Outbreaks: The spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) has caused mass mortality events among migratory birds and some marine mammals, adding further pressure on already vulnerable populations.
- Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: Habitat destruction remains one of the most serious threats to migratory wildlife. Rapid urban expansion, coastal development, and wetland degradation can disrupt migratory pathways and reduce available habitats.
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The Convention on Migratory Species (CMS):
The report is prepared under the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS). Adopted in 1979 under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), CMS is a legally binding international treaty aimed at conserving migratory animals and their habitats across national borders.
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- Two Key Appendices:
- Appendix I includes endangered migratory species and requires strict protection, including habitat restoration and prohibition of hunting.
- Appendix II includes species that require international cooperation for conservation.
- Appendix I includes endangered migratory species and requires strict protection, including habitat restoration and prohibition of hunting.
- Two Key Appendices:
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Significance for Biodiversity Conservation:
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- Early Warning Indicators: Migratory species act as bioindicators, reflecting changes in ecosystem health and environmental conditions.
- Ecosystem Balance: They play a vital role in maintaining ecological processes such as pollination, nutrient transport, and food-chain stability.
- Need for International Cooperation: Because migratory species cross national boundaries, global cooperation and coordinated conservation policies are essential for their survival.
- Early Warning Indicators: Migratory species act as bioindicators, reflecting changes in ecosystem health and environmental conditions.
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Conclusion:
The interim update of the State of the World’s Migratory Species report highlights an emerging biodiversity crisis. With nearly half of migratory species declining and many facing extinction risks, urgent global action is required. Strengthening international cooperation under CMS, protecting habitats, and addressing human-induced threats will be crucial for ensuring the long-term survival of migratory wildlife and maintaining global ecological balance.
