Threats to Migratory Species due to Human Activities
A recent United Nations report has cast a spotlight on the grave challenges faced by migratory species due to human activities, painting a stark picture of the threats leading to potential extinctions. According to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), over one in five of the 1,189 listed migratory creatures are at risk, underscoring the urgent need for global conservation efforts.
From the vast journeys of female leatherback turtles across oceans to the seasonal movements of whales, sharks, elephants, and numerous bird and insect species, these migrations are increasingly fraught with dangers. Human-made hazards such as fishing nets, poaching, pollution, and the effects of climate change have significantly heightened the risks these animals face during their migrations.
The report, the first of its kind to comprehensively evaluate the status of migratory species, identifies overexploitation and habitat loss due to agriculture, urban development, and infrastructure projects as leading causes of decline. Such activities not only diminish the natural habitats of these species but also disrupt their migratory paths, often making crucial journeys impossible to complete.
Climate change exacerbates these challenges by altering migration timings and routes. Species are forced to travel further in search of food and suitable breeding grounds, with some, like the narwhal, facing new risks of being trapped by shifting sea ice patterns. Pollution, including light and sound pollution, further complicates migratory journeys, leading to deadly consequences for species like migratory birds and whales.
Despite these daunting challenges, there are glimmers of hope, with positive population trends observed in 14 species, including blue and humpback whales. However, the overall findings of the report emphasize the pressing need for international cooperation and concerted conservation efforts to safeguard these vital components of the planet's ecosystems.
Migratory species play indispensable roles in maintaining ecological balance, from pollinating plants and dispersing seeds to regulating insect populations. Their decline would not only signify the loss of biodiversity but also disrupt the intricate ecological networks that sustain life on Earth.
The CMS report was unveiled at a significant UN wildlife conservation conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, calling for global action to mitigate the threats to migratory species. As these animals traverse national boundaries, their conservation is a shared responsibility, requiring collective action across countries and continents to ensure their survival and the health of the ecosystems they support.
