Key Facts & Data Points

  • 49% of migratory species under the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) show declining populations (up from 44%).
  • 24% of CMS‑listed species are now classified as facing extinction (up from 22%).
  • 386 CMS species reassessed since 2022; 34 (9%) moved to a higher threat category on the IUCN Red List, 26 of which are migratory shorebirds.
  • HPAI H5N1 caused mass mortalities in penguins, pelicans, cranes, fur seals and sea lions.
  • Notable recoveries: Scimitar‑horned Oryx (Extinct in the Wild → Endangered), Saiga Antelope (Endangered → Near‑Threatened), Mediterranean Monk Seal (Endangered → Vulnerable).

Background & Context

  • Migratory species are wild animals that regularly move across national boundaries for breeding, feeding or resting. Loss of any critical site can jeopardise the entire population.
  • India lies on the Central Asian Flyway (CAF) and hosts key marine turtle nesting beaches, making it a pivotal hub for migratory biodiversity.
  • The CMS (Bonn Convention), adopted in 1979 and effective from 1 Nov 1983, provides a legal framework for trans‑boundary conservation. India is a Party since 1983.
  • CMS has two appendices:
  • Appendix I – strictly protected endangered migratory species (188 species).
  • Appendix II – species with unfavourable status that benefit from international cooperation.
  • The Conference of the Parties (COP) reviews implementation; COP‑15 is scheduled for March 2026 in Brazil.

Significance for India & Global Governance

  • Declines threaten ecosystem services (e.g., pollination, pest control) and affect livelihoods dependent on migratory wildlife tourism.
  • Aligns with India’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) and the Kunming‑Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) target of restoring 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030.
  • Highlights need for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for linear infrastructure and renewable energy projects.
  • Reinforces India’s obligations under the BBNJ Treaty (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction) and the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

Legal & Institutional Provisions

  • CMS (Bonn Convention) – legally binding treaty administered by UNEP.
  • IUCN Red List – global assessment of extinction risk; informs CMS appendix revisions.
  • BBNJ Treaty – governs marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction; complements CMS for migratory marine species.
  • National Legislation – Wildlife Protection Act, 1972; need to incorporate CMS Appendix I species for strict protection.
  • Renewable Energy Guidelines – CMS Energy Task Force advises on siting to avoid collision risks for birds and bats.

Priority Conservation Actions (as per CMS)

  1. Protect, Connect & Restore Habitats
  • Expand protected area coverage on key stopover sites.
  • Restore 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030 (KMGBF Target 2).
  • Enhance ecological connectivity (currently <10%).
  1. Tackle Overexploitation
  • Strengthen fisheries monitoring, reduce by‑catch, enforce anti‑poaching laws.
  • Ratify and implement the BBNJ Treaty.
  1. Mitigate Pollution
  • Reduce light and underwater noise pollution.
  • Phase‑out lead ammunition and curb plastic waste.
  1. Address Climate Change Impacts
  • Implement dynamic management to accommodate shifting migration routes.
  • Ensure renewable energy infrastructure follows CMS guidelines.

Related Constitutional/Policy References

  • Article 48A of the Indian Constitution – protection of environment and wildlife.
  • National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) – includes missions on sustainable agriculture and water, indirectly supporting migratory habitats.
  • Biodiversity Act, 2002 – provides framework for conservation of biological diversity, including migratory species.

Conclusion

The accelerating decline of migratory species underscores the urgency for coordinated international and national actions. Strengthening CMS implementation, integrating habitat restoration into NBSAP, and aligning infrastructure development with biodiversity safeguards are essential to reverse current trends.

Mains Practice Question: Examine the role of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) in the conservation of migratory wildlife.