Why is it in the news?
An interim update of the UN State of the World’s Migratory Species Report 2024 highlighted major declines in migratory species populations.
The findings underline the growing threats to global biodiversity.
Category: Environment
Important Points:
● The report states that 49% of migratory species protected under the Convention on Migratory Species are declining.
● This figure increased from 44% within two years.
● Around 24% of listed species are now facing extinction risk.
● 69% of declining species are migratory shorebirds.
● Major threats include habitat loss, avian influenza and overexploitation.
● Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI H5N1) has caused mass mortality in birds and marine mammals.
● Habitat fragmentation due to infrastructure development affects migratory pathways.
● Overfishing and bycatch remain major threats for sharks and rays.
● Some species like Saiga Antelope and Scimitar-horned Oryx have recovered due to targeted conservation efforts.