In a groundbreaking new report, the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), a global environmental body under the United Nations, has raised alarming concerns about the state of migratory species around the world.

The report, released in early 2025, reveals that potentially over one-fifth of migratory species are now at risk of extinction, marking a significant decline in biodiversity and putting entire ecosystems under threat. This disturbing trend highlights the urgent need for stronger global animal protection laws and conservation efforts to safeguard these species, which are vital for the health of ecosystems and the well-being of human societies.

The State of Migratory Species: A Global Crisis

Migratory species—animals that move between different geographical areas in search of resources such as food, breeding grounds, or favorable climates—play an essential role in maintaining ecological balance. These species span across a wide variety of taxa, including birds, mammals, marine animals, and insects. From the majestic humpback whale to the tiny monarch butterfly, migratory species contribute to pollination, seed dispersal, and nutrient cycling, all of which are integral to the health of ecosystems.

However, the CMS report paints a dire picture for these travelers. According to the data, nearly one-fifth of migratory species are facing significant threats, with many populations dwindling rapidly. The major contributing factors to this decline include:

• Habitat Destruction: Urban expansion, agriculture, and deforestation are reducing the available habitats for migratory species. Wetlands, forests, and coastlines—the critical stopover points for many migratory animals—are being lost at an alarming rate.
• Climate Change: Shifting weather patterns, rising sea levels, and changing temperatures are disrupting the migratory routes and breeding patterns of numerous species. Many migratory species rely on specific environmental cues to navigate, and climate change is throwing these natural signals into disarray.
• Pollution: Industrial activities, plastic waste, chemical runoff, and noise pollution are posing significant risks to migratory species, especially marine animals and birds. Pollution is contaminating feeding grounds, disrupting breeding habitats, and leading to high mortality rates among migratory animals.
• Overexploitation: Overhunting, illegal poaching, and unsustainable fishing practices are also contributing to the decline of migratory species. Many animals are targeted for their meat, pelts, or body parts, and species like sea turtles, elephants, and migratory birds are particularly vulnerable to poaching.

These factors, often exacerbated by human activities, are threatening the survival of migratory species and undermining the ecological services they provide.

The Importance of Migratory Species in Ecosystems

Migratory species are integral to the functioning of ecosystems across the globe. Their long journeys often connect different habitats and ecosystems, making them essential for maintaining ecological networks. For example:

• Pollination and Seed Dispersal: Many migratory species, including bats, birds, and insects, play a key role in pollinating plants and dispersing seeds. This helps ensure the growth of plants and the continuity of plant-based food chains.
• Nutrient Cycling: Migratory animals such as whales and seabirds transport nutrients across vast distances. Their migration patterns help replenish ecosystems with vital nutrients, enhancing productivity in both terrestrial and marine environments.
• Cultural and Economic Value: Beyond their ecological significance, migratory species also provide cultural, aesthetic, and economic value. Birdwatching, eco-tourism, and fisheries depend on healthy migratory species, and their decline could have far-reaching impacts on local economies and global biodiversity.

The loss of these species would not only disrupt ecosystems but could also lead to cascading effects throughout food chains, impacting human populations that rely on these animals for food, tourism, and other resources.

The Role of Global Animal Protection Laws

To mitigate the damage caused by the extinction crisis facing migratory species, it is critical that governments, international organizations, and conservation groups come together to strengthen global animal protection laws and create a coordinated response to this urgent issue. While various international frameworks exist to protect endangered species, the CMS report highlights several ways that global animal protection laws can be further developed and enhanced to protect migratory animals:

1. Strengthening International Agreements

International agreements such as the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) are vital tools in protecting migratory species. The CMS, which currently has 130 signatory countries, focuses on the conservation of migratory animals and their habitats. To address the current crisis, signatories must commit to more ambitious conservation targets and increase funding for the implementation of these initiatives. The CMS framework should also be expanded to include additional species facing growing threats and incorporate the latest scientific research to better track migration patterns and identify critical conservation needs.

In addition to the CMS, other international agreements like the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Ramsar Convention (focused on wetland conservation) must prioritize the protection of migratory species and their habitats. A more integrated approach to international conservation law, linking efforts to protect biodiversity and mitigate climate change, will be crucial for halting the decline of migratory species.

2. Enforcing Strict Habitat Protection Laws

One of the most critical steps to protect migratory species is safeguarding their habitats. Stronger environmental laws that protect key habitats—such as wetlands, forests, and marine environments—are essential for supporting migratory species’ survival. Governments must establish and enforce protected areas, ensuring that migratory species have safe, unspoiled spaces to rest, breed, and forage. The establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs) and conservation corridors can also help migratory species navigate their journey safely, reducing the risk of habitat destruction.

Governments should also incentivize sustainable land-use practices that minimize habitat degradation. For example, promoting eco-friendly agriculture and sustainable forestry practices can reduce deforestation and provide migratory species with the habitat they need to thrive.

3. Addressing Climate Change through Legal Frameworks

Climate change is one of the biggest threats to migratory species, as it alters migration patterns, disrupts breeding, and decreases food availability. To combat this, countries must strengthen international climate agreements such as the Paris Agreement, with a focus on climate adaptation strategies that protect migratory species. National policies must also be aligned with global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change’s impacts on biodiversity.

Legally binding commitments to reduce carbon emissions, protect carbon sinks like forests and wetlands, and enhance climate resilience for both humans and animals will be crucial in protecting migratory species from the worst effects of climate change.

4. Combatting Illegal Wildlife Trade and Overexploitation

The illegal trade in wildlife is a significant driver of decline for many migratory species. Global animal protection laws must be enforced more rigorously to combat illegal hunting, poaching, and trafficking of migratory species. International cooperation through conventions like the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is essential to curb the illegal wildlife trade.

Governments must increase enforcement of anti-poaching laws and support programs aimed at reducing the demand for products derived from migratory species. Additionally, sustainable fishing practices and stricter regulations on fisheries must be implemented to prevent the overexploitation of migratory fish and marine mammals.

5. Public Awareness and Education

Beyond legal frameworks, public awareness campaigns and education about the importance of migratory species and the threats they face can drive conservation efforts at the local level. Governments and NGOs must work together to increase global awareness of migratory species and encourage the protection of these animals in communities around the world. Public engagement can also help reduce the human activities that contribute to the decline of migratory species, such as pollution and unsustainable development.

Conclusion

The CMS report’s findings are a stark reminder of the global biodiversity crisis and the urgent need to protect migratory species. With over one-fifth of migratory animals at risk of extinction, the time to act is now. By strengthening global animal protection laws, expanding international cooperation, protecting habitats, and addressing the effects of climate change, we can help mitigate the damage and ensure the survival of these vital species.

The loss of migratory animals would be a loss for ecosystems, economies, and cultures worldwide. Protecting them is not just a moral imperative—it is essential for the health of our planet and future generations.

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