Context

• Recently the 14th meeting of the Convention on Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS COP14) was held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
• In this meeting, the 'Status of the World's Migratory Species' report was released for the first time by CMS.

Key Points

• This report uses species data obtained in collaboration with BirdLife International, IUCN and organisations such as Living Planet Index and World Wildlife Fund for Nature.
• The report lists millions of migratory animal species at risk due to anthropogenic pressure. Example- Monarch butterflies are in danger of extinction due to anthropogenic activities.
• 97% of migratory fish listed under CMS are also at risk of extinction.
• Apart from this, 44 percent of the species listed under CMS are declining in numbers.

Reasons for Decline in Migratory Species

• Habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation
• Overexploitation
• Pollution
• Climate change
• Agriculture and pesticide use

Conclusion

• The meeting adopted an action plan to improve the conservation status of migratory landbird species in the African-Eurasian region.
• This also included the adoption of a 12-year multi-species action plan for vultures.

Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS)

• A UN environmental treaty
• This treaty came into force in 1979.
• It is also known as the ‘Bonn Convention’.
• It aims to address the conservation needs of terrestrial, aquatic and bird migratory species and their habitats around the world.
• It includes 133 parties from Africa, Central and South America, Asia, Europe and Oceania.
• India has also been a party to CMS since 1983.

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR EXAM

CMS COP 14

• Decision making body
• Slogan: ‘Nature knows no limits’.
• The meeting takes place once every three years.
• CMS COP-14 is the first COP related to any global environmental treaty to be held in Central Asia, which is home to many migratory species including saiga antelope, snow leopard and several species of migratory birds.

CMS COP 13

• Event – February 2020 in Gandhinagar, India.
• Conclusion of the Conference: Gandhinagar Declaration
• Mascot: 'Gibi-The Great Indian Bustard'.