Stronger protections implemented for migratory species

Governments have agreed to strengthen international protections for 40 migratory species, including sharks, cheetahs and snowy owls, at a UN wildlife conference in Brazil, as officials warn of accelerating population declines.

Delegates at the 15th conference of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) added 40 migratory species and populations to its protection lists, which require stricter conservation measures or enhanced cross-border co-operation depending on threat levels. The lists now cover more than 1200 species.

"Expanded protections for cheetahs, striped hyena, snowy owls, giant otters, great hammerhead sharks, and many more, demonstrate that nations can act when the science is clear," said CMS Executive Secretary Amy Fraenkel, stressing that "implementation has to begin tomorrow".

More than 130 nations are party to the convention. The United States, China and Russia are not.

"We protect species that may never remain within our borders. We invest in a natural heritage we do not own, but are all responsible for, said João Paulo Capobianco, chair of COP15.

Migratory animals - from birds and sea turtles to whales - travel across continents and oceans each year. According to new evidence, many migratory species are moving closer to extinction.

Recent UN data show populations of nearly half of CMS-listed species are declining, with about a quarter at risk of extinction.

Freshwater fish populations have fallen by more than 80 per cent globally since 1970 due to dams, pollution, overfishing and disrupted river systems.

Delegates also agreed on regional conservation programs, including for the Amazon, and measures to tackle over exploitation, habitat loss, illegal hunting, bycatch, plastic pollution and underwater noise.