Key Facts & Data

  • 49% of migratory species protected under the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) are experiencing population declines (up from 44% in 2022).\
  • 24% of CMS‑listed species are now classified as facing extinction, an increase from 22%.\
  • 386 CMS species reassessed since 2022; 34 (9%) moved to a higher threat category on the IUCN Red List.\
  • 69% of the species shifting to higher threat categories are migratory shorebirds.\
  • Notable successes: Scimitar‑horned Oryx (Extinct in the Wild → Endangered), Saiga Antelope (Endangered → Near‑Threatened), Mediterranean Monk Seal (Endangered → Vulnerable).\
  • Emerging threat: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 causing mass mortality in birds (penguins, pelicans, cranes) and aquatic mammals (fur seals, sea lions).\
  • Habitat fragmentation from linear infrastructure (roads, railways, fences) severely impacts species like the Mongolian Gazelle and Blue Wildebeest (75% decline).\
  • Overexploitation and by‑catch remain critical for sharks, rays, and raptors.

Background & Context

  • Migratory species are wild animals that move cyclically across geopolitical boundaries for breeding, feeding or resting. Loss of any critical site can jeopardise the entire population.\
  • India’s strategic location on the Central Asian Flyway (CAF) and marine routes makes it a key hub for birds (e.g., Amur Falcon, Siberian Crane), turtles (Olive Ridley, Leatherback), and mammals (Snow Leopard, Great Indian Bustard).\
  • The CMS (Bonn Convention), adopted in 1979 and effective from 1 Nov 1983, provides a legally binding framework for trans‑boundary conservation. India has been a Party since 1983.

Significance for India & Global Governance

  • Declining migratory populations affect ecosystem services (pollination, pest control, nutrient cycling) and livelihoods of communities dependent on wildlife tourism and fisheries.\
  • India's commitments under CMS, National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), and the forthcoming BBNJ Treaty require integration of migratory species priorities into national policies, protected‑area networks, and impact‑assessment regimes.

Legal & Institutional Provisions

  • CMS Appendices:\
  • Appendix I: 188 endangered migratory species; strict protection required (e.g., Great Indian Bustard, Olive Ridley Turtle).\
  • Appendix II: Species with unfavourable status needing international cooperation.\
  • UNEP administers CMS and facilitates COP meetings (COP‑15 scheduled March 2026, Brazil).\
  • IUCN Red List categories guide threat assessment; shifts to higher categories signal urgent action.\
  • Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) are mandated for infrastructure projects affecting migratory routes.\
  • BBNJ Treaty (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction) aims to regulate high‑seas activities impacting migratory marine species.

Conservation Priorities & Actions

  1. Protect, Connect & Restore Habitats\
  • Expand protected‑area coverage at key stop‑over sites; aim to restore 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030 (KMGBF Target 2).\
  • Enhance ecological connectivity (currently <10%).\
  • Integrate migratory‑species considerations into NBSAP and allocate adequate funding.
  1. Combat Overexploitation\
  • Strengthen fisheries monitoring, enforce by‑catch mitigation, and ratify the BBNJ Treaty.\
  • Ensure national legislation bans “take” of Appendix I species except under strict permits.
  1. Mitigate Pollution\
  • Reduce light pollution, underwater noise, and phase‑out lead ammunition.\
  • Tackle plastic pollution and limit pesticide use near critical habitats.
  1. Address Climate Change Impacts\
  • Implement dynamic management to accommodate shifting migration routes.\
  • Ensure renewable‑energy projects (wind, solar) are sited to avoid major flyways and marine corridors.

Related Constitutional/Legal References

  • Article 48A of the Indian Constitution (Protection of environment and wildlife).\
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 – provides for protection of species listed in CMS Appendix I.\
  • Biological Diversity Act, 2002 – mandates preparation of NBSAP and conservation of migratory species.

Potential UPSC Questions

  • Mains: Examine the role of CMS in conserving migratory wildlife and assess the effectiveness of India’s current policy framework.
  • Prelims: Identify the percentage decline of CMS‑listed migratory species as per the 2024 interim report.

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