Decline of migratory species

The release of a groundbreaking UN report, titled ‘State of the World’s Migratory Species’, has brought into focus the precarious situation facing migratory species worldwide. The report’s findings are sobering, revealing that nearly half of migratory animal species are experiencing population declines, and virtually all fish listed in the UN Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) are at risk of extinction. Alarmingly, more than one in five CMS-listed species are threatened with extinction, and over half of key biodiversity areas identified as important for migratory animals lack protected status.

Migratory species play a crucial role in maintaining the health and balance of ecosystems worldwide, and their decline poses significant challenges for biodiversity conservation. These species often serve as indicators of ecosystem health, and their decline can have far-reaching impacts. The loss of these animals can disrupt ecosystem functioning, leading to imbalances in predator-prey relationships, which can then have cascading effects on other species and overall ecosystem health. Furthermore, the loss of migratory species can impact human livelihoods, particularly in communities that rely on these species for food, income or cultural practices. To address this crisis, it is essential to implement conservation measures that focus on habitat protection and sustainable management practices. Protected areas need to be established or expanded to provide refuge for migratory species during their journeys. Moreover, international cooperation is crucial, as migratory species often cross multiple borders during their migrations.

In Pakistan, where migratory species such as birds and marine turtles are an integral part of the ecosystem, there is a need for concerted efforts to protect these species. This can include the establishment of marine protected areas to safeguard critical habitats and the enforcement of laws and regulations to prevent illegal hunting and fishing.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 15^th, 2024.

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