SouthernWorldwide.com – The United Nations Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) has officially approved the inclusion of 40 new species under its international protection umbrella.
This significant decision was made during the COP15 summit on migratory species, held in Campo Verde, Brazil. The summit gathered representatives from 132 countries and the European Union, marking it as a pivotal global event for wildlife conservation.
Among the newly protected species is the iconic snowy owl, famously known from the Harry Potter series. Also granted protection are the Hudsonian godwit, a long-beaked shorebird facing extinction, and the formidable great hammerhead shark.
The expanded list also includes terrestrial mammals such as the striped hyena and the swift cheetah. Aquatic wildlife, like the giant otter, has also been prioritized for conservation efforts.
The CMS highlighted that these species are facing increasing threats, with many migratory animals moving closer to extinction. The decision reflects a collective commitment to enhancing international action for their survival.
Countries that are signatories to the CMS are legally bound to protect these at-risk species. This includes conserving and restoring their habitats, preventing migration disruptions, and fostering cooperation among range states.
Campo Verde, the host city, is situated within Brazil’s Pantanal wetlands, a region renowned for its rich biodiversity and located in the southern Amazon.
A report released just before the summit painted a stark picture of the state of migratory species. It indicated that nearly half of all species cataloged by the CMS are experiencing declining populations. Furthermore, approximately one in four of these species are globally threatened with extinction.
Amy Fraenkel, the Executive Secretary of CMS, acknowledged the urgency of the situation. She stated that while stronger protections and more ambitious plans were agreed upon, the species themselves cannot afford to wait for future meetings.
Adding to the concerns, another major UN assessment released at the summit’s opening warned about the critical state of migratory freshwater fish. These fish are vital for river health and support the livelihoods of millions, yet their populations are in rapid decline and risk collapse.
The survival of hundreds of species is under severe threat due to habitat destruction, overfishing, and water pollution. These issues are impacting rivers from the Amazon to the Danube, affecting species whose long migrations often go unnoticed.
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This event follows Brazil’s hosting of the COP30 climate summit in Belem in November. While leaders from nearly 200 nations attended, the three largest greenhouse gas emitters—China, the United States, and India—did not send their top representatives. However, Beijing and New Delhi did send high-level delegations. The White House announced that no senior U.S. officials would participate in that COP summit.
