WASHINGTON. A new United Nations report released Monday reveals alarming statistics about the state of migratory species globally, indicating that nearly half of them are facing declines.
The report highlights the precarious situation of many migratory animals such as songbirds, sea turtles, whales, sharks, and others, which rely on moving between different environments with changing seasons. Threats including habitat loss, illegal hunting and fishing, pollution, and climate change are endangering their populations.
Lead author Kelly Malsch, speaking at a U.N. wildlife conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, emphasized the importance of migration for these species. She stated, “These are species that move around the globe. They move to feed and breed and also need stopover sites along the way.”
The report, based on existing data including information from the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List, indicates that 44% of migratory species worldwide are experiencing population declines, with over a fifth of them facing the threat of extinction.
Ecologist Stuart Pimm from Duke University, not involved in the report, underscored the critical role of migration for some species, stating, “Migration is essential for some species. If you cut the migration, you’re going to kill the species.”
Participants at the U.N. meeting are discussing proposals for conservation measures and considering whether to formally list several new species of concern. Susan Lieberman, vice president for international policy at the Wildlife Conservation Society, emphasized the need for collaborative efforts, stating, “One country alone cannot save any of these species.”
During the meeting, governments from South America are expected to propose adding two declining Amazon catfish species to the U.N. treaty’s list of migratory species of concern. Lieberman highlighted the importance of protecting the Amazon River basin, stating, “If the Amazon is intact, the catfish will thrive — it’s about protecting the habitat.”
The report comes amid ongoing efforts for conservation, with governments pledging in 2022 to protect 30% of the planet’s land and water resources at the U.N. Biodiversity Conference in Montreal, Canada.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
