Every year, billions of animals travel long distances to find food, better habitats, or to breed. A new UN report reveals that human activities are not only disrupting these critical journeys but have also put these migratory species in a perilous state.
The first-of-its-kind UN report finds that nearly half of the world’s threatened migratory species are experiencing population declines. More than a fifth of the 1,200 monitored species are facing the threat of extinction, including whales, sea turtles, apes and songbirds.
The data, compiled by conservation scientists, say overhunting, habitat loss, pollution and climate change are the contributing factors behind the decline of these species.
There is hope
Some conservation efforts are proving effective. Measures such as wildlife crossings, habitat protections and anti-poaching regulations are providing lifelines for certain species.
But more concerted and scaled-up actions are needed to reverse population declines.
Overall, the findings highlight the urgent need for global cooperation and action to protect these magnificent species and their crucial migrations.