Forced to vanish
Down To Earth|February 16, 2024
The world has its first clear evidence on migratory species facing heightened levels of extinction risk due to human-led pressures
HIMANSHU N
Forced to vanish

FOR THE first time, the world has compelling evidence that its migratory species, from butterflies and seabirds to wild cats, sea turtles and large whales that all travel long distances for food and habitat, are under threat. More than one in five such species listed under the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) is at risk of extinction, while nearly half of them show a declining population trend, says a new report released on February 12, 2024.

The "State of the World's Migratory Species" is the first-ever assessment of 1,189 migratory species listed under CMS, a treaty to conserve migratory species under the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). The findings are grim-260 of the species face extinction risks, while 520 see declining population trends. The report analyses migratory species as categorised in the CMS Appendices. Appendix I has 180 species that the 133 parties to cms are prohibited from “taking” (intentionally removing from the wild through hunting or fishing), with a few exceptions. The parties must work to conserve or restore their habitats. Some 82 per cent of Appendix I species face extinction risk and 76 per cent have declining population trends.

Appendix II species are those that cms perceives as having an “unfavourable” conservation status, which may benefit from agreements on management. This category has 1,127 species; however, 118 species are in both the appendices. Some 18 per cent of Appendix II species face extinction and nearly 42 per cent see declining population trends.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة February 16, 2024 من Down To Earth.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة February 16, 2024 من Down To Earth.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من DOWN TO EARTH مشاهدة الكل
A SPRIG TO CARE FOR
Down To Earth

A SPRIG TO CARE FOR

Punarnava, a perennial herb, is easy to grow and has huge health benefits

time-read
3 mins  |
November 01, 2024
DIGGING A DISASTER
Down To Earth

DIGGING A DISASTER

Soapstone mining near Dabti Vijaypur village has caused many residents to migrate.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 01, 2024
REVIEW THE TREATMENT
Down To Earth

REVIEW THE TREATMENT

Several faecal sludge treatment plants in Uttar Pradesh suffer from design flaws that make the treatment process both expensive and inefficient

time-read
3 mins  |
November 01, 2024
MAKE STEEL SUSTAINABLE
Down To Earth

MAKE STEEL SUSTAINABLE

As India works to double its GDP by 2030, its steel industry must balance growth with sustainability. By embracing policies like the Steel Scrap Recycling Policy 2019 and adopting green technologies, India is paving the way for a more sustainable future in steel production

time-read
4 mins  |
November 01, 2024
Can ANRF pull off the impossible for India?
Down To Earth

Can ANRF pull off the impossible for India?

Anusandhan National Research Foundation is expected to reorient India's innovation goals but funding issues, old mindsets remain a drag

time-read
4 mins  |
November 01, 2024
TROUBLED WOODS
Down To Earth

TROUBLED WOODS

Forests are a great bulwark against climate change. But this is fast changing. AKSHIT SANGOMLA travels through some of the pristine patches of the Western Ghats to explore how natural disturbances triggered by global warming now threaten the forest health

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 01, 2024
BLINDING GLOW
Down To Earth

BLINDING GLOW

The science is clear: increased illumination has damaging consequences for the health of humans, animals and plants. It’s time governments introduced policies to protect the natural darkness and improved the quality of outdoor lighting.

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 01, 2024
GROUND REALITY
Down To Earth

GROUND REALITY

What happens when the soil loses the ability to grow healthy, high-yield crops on its own?

time-read
6 mins  |
November 01, 2024
GM POLICY MUST BE FARMER CENTRIC
Down To Earth

GM POLICY MUST BE FARMER CENTRIC

On July 23, the Supreme Court of India directed the Union government to develop a national policy on genetically modified (GM) crops for research, cultivation, trade and commerce through public consultation.

time-read
6 mins  |
November 01, 2024
Vinchurni's Gandhi
Down To Earth

Vinchurni's Gandhi

A 96-year-old farmer transforms barren land into a thriving forest in drought-prone region of Satara

time-read
2 mins  |
November 01, 2024