Animal migrations around the globe are experiencing a steep decline

In the vast expanse of our planet, migratory animals continue to amaze us with their incredible journeys. One such example is the bar-tailed godwit, a resilient bird that flies non-stop from Siberia to Australia, covering an astonishing 13,000 km without stopping. In October 2022, this remarkable bird set a world record with a continuous flight of 13,560 km.

However, these epic journeys are under threat. A recent stocktake by the United Nations Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) has shown falling populations in 44% of the 1,189 species tracked. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts.

Migratory animals require being in good condition, with plenty of fat stores, and they must have safe flyways, swimways, and pathways to undertake their journeys. Unfortunately, migratory species are at higher risk due to factors such as hunting or fishing, moving between countries, and lack of knowledge about their status.

Overexploitation is the main reason why migratory species are in decline. Human exploitation as food, bycatch, or extermination as "pest" species is the primary cause. This is evident in the case of 90% of migratory fish species, which are threatened with extinction.

The humpback whale, once on the brink of extinction due to whaling, provides a glimmer of hope. After the end of whaling, the humpback whale population has slowly recovered. This recovery serves as a testament to the fact that the decline of migratory species can be stopped.

The example of the Latham's Snipe, a migratory shorebird, further illustrates this point. The Latham's Snipe was saved from hunting by an agreement between Australia and Japan.

To stem losses and initiate recovery, numerous initiatives are underway. The BirdLife website features an article titled "Protecting the most important habitats for birds," which provides insights into conservation efforts. Additionally, the Important Bird & Biodiversity Areas and the Migratory Connectivity in the Ocean (MiCO) system offer easy access to knowledge about migratory species.

MiCO is developing a system to support worldwide conservation efforts for numerous migratory species and the oceans on which they depend. The United Nations Intergovernmental Conference on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction website also provides more information on these efforts.

Unfortunately, the decline of migratory species is not limited to certain regions. Countries such as Germany, the United States, and Australia have recently seen significant declines in their migratory species populations. Each country needs to follow through on their promised actions for the conservation of migratory species.

Animal migrations have collapsed, and it is crucial to stem losses and initiate recovery to allow future generations to experience nature as it is. The first-ever UN report on the State of the World's Migratory Species was released in 2024, marking a significant step towards this goal.

In the past, mass migrations led to the extinction of species like the Rocky Mountain locust, trillions of which were extinct by 1875 after a massive migration across the western United States. Let us ensure that the future is not defined by such losses.

By working together, we can protect and conserve migratory species, ensuring their survival for generations to come. It's time to take action and secure a future where the wonders of migration continue to enchant us.