Some of the world’s most recognizable species are being discussed at global talks in Brazil regarding their potential inclusion in the appendices of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), a UN environmental treaty. Proposed species include sharks, giant otters, hyenas, and snowy owls, all of which are migratory and face threats such as deforestation, climate change, and industrial fishing. At the event, Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, deputy executive director of the UN Environment Programme, emphasized the interconnectedness of these species and the ecosystems they inhabit. Experts highlighted the snowy owl’s declining population in regions like Sweden, where it has been declared regionally extinct due to a lack of food sources, while hammerhead sharks are threatened by overfishing. Norway is advocating for the snowy owl to be placed on Appendix II of the CMS to foster multinational cooperation for its conservation.
Why It Matters
The proposed protections for migratory species like the snowy owl and hammerhead shark highlight the urgent need for international collaboration in wildlife conservation. Historically, many migratory animals face significant threats from human activities that span multiple countries. For example, changes in climate and habitat loss directly impact the availability of prey for the snowy owl, while hammerhead sharks are particularly vulnerable due to their social behavior, making them easy targets for fishing. Establishing protective measures under the CMS could facilitate global efforts to mitigate these threats and ensure the survival of these species.
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