Home / Environment / 40 Migratory Species Just Won New Global Protections
40 Migratory Species Just Won New Global Protections
11 Apr
Summary
- Nearly half of protected migratory species populations are declining.
- 40 species, including owls and sharks, now have enhanced global protection.
- New treaty additions require countries to protect habitats and migration routes.
The world's migratory animals face increasing threats, with nearly half of species under the U.N. Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) treaty experiencing declining populations. At a recent convention in Campo Grande, Brazil, held from March 23-29, 2026, over 130 countries agreed to add 40 species to the treaty's protection lists. This move signifies a commitment to international conservation efforts.
The CMS treaty, established in 1979, protects species crossing national borders. The recent decision enhances protections for animals like the snowy owl, cheetah, striped hyena, giant otter, and great hammerhead shark. These species, now listed on Appendix I or II, require stricter habitat protection and collaborative management to combat threats like habitat loss, overfishing, and climate change.
Effective conservation for migratory species demands international cooperation, as these animals depend on habitats spanning multiple countries. The new listings are intended to spur governments to enact national laws, revise fishing regulations, and improve environmental impact rules. Monitoring and data sharing are also crucial, with initiatives like satellite tracking and GPS tagging helping to identify and protect critical stopover sites. The success of these protections hinges on countries translating these commitments into tangible on-the-ground actions to ensure the survival of these remarkable species for future generations.
