Global migratory species are facing an unprecedented decline, a UN report warns.

In a ground-breaking study released by the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), a United Nations biodiversity treaty, alarming statistics have emerged about the state of the world’s migratory species. 

Conducted with partial funding from the Australian Government, the report unveils a stark reality: nearly half (44 per cent) of the world's migratory species are experiencing population declines, with more than one in five (22 per cent) threatened with extinction. 

This comprehensive assessment, a first of its kind, was announced at the major UN wildlife conservation conference in Samarkand.

Among the findings, a staggering 97 per cent of CMS-listed fish species are on the brink of extinction, a testament to the severity of the threats these species face. 

The report attributes habitat loss and overexploitation, driven by human activity, as the primary culprits behind these declines. 

Furthermore, climate change, pollution, and the introduction of invasive species are compounding the challenges faced by migratory species, disrupting their natural habitats and migration patterns.

The State of the World’s Migratory Species report, prepared by conservation scientists at the UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC), underscores the critical role migratory species play in maintaining global ecosystems. 

These species, which include a vast array of animals from land, sea, and air, undertake long journeys that are vital for the pollination of plants, nutrient transport, pest control, and carbon storage.

However, the report also sheds light on the lack of protection for key biodiversity areas essential for the survival of migratory species. 

A significant portion of these areas lacks protected status, leaving them vulnerable to unsustainable levels of human pressure. 

The study calls for immediate and concerted international action to safeguard these species, emphasising the need for comprehensive measures to combat overexploitation and habitat destruction.

Despite the grim findings, the report offers a glimmer of hope, highlighting successful conservation efforts and the potential for recovery with targeted action. 

Examples of positive change, such as the reduction of illegal bird netting in Cyprus and conservation work in Kazakhstan, demonstrate the impact of coordinated, international efforts in reversing the decline of migratory species.

More details are accessible here.