Among other things, the snowy owl should be better protected in the future.Image: keystone
In view of growing threats, 40 migratory animal species such as sharks, cheetahs and snowy owls are to receive stricter international protection in the future.
March 30, 2026, 05:24March 30, 2026, 05:24
“We came to Campo Grande knowing that the populations of half of the species protected by this treaty are declining,” said CMS Executive Secretary Amy Fraenkel. “We leave with stricter protection measures and more ambitious plans, but the species themselves are not waiting for our next meeting.” Implementation must begin tomorrow, she said.
The States Parties added additional species to protection appendices I and II at the 15th UN Conference of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) in the Brazilian city of Campo Grande near the Pantanal. These oblige states – depending on the level of threat – to take strict protective measures or to increase international cooperation and now cover more than 1,200 species.
More than 130 countries and the EU are members of the agreement, including many countries in Africa and Latin America; However, large countries such as the USA, China and Russia are not included.
Cheetahs, snowy owls and sharks in focus
Billions of animals migrate every year, some across continents and oceans – from migratory birds to sea turtles and whales. Many of these species are threatened. New or more protected species include cheetahs, striped hyenas, snowy owls, giant otters and several shark species such as the great hammerhead shark.
“A strong signal for international species protection – especially in times when many migratory species are under massive pressure,” said biologist Mona Schweizer from the species protection organization Pro Wildlife. This is a “real breakthrough,” especially for sharks.
Almost half of the species are in decline
The conference was influenced by new UN data showing increasing threats to migratory animal species. According to the UN, the populations of almost half of the species protected under the agreement are declining and around a quarter are threatened with extinction. The situation at sea is particularly critical.
Freshwater fish are also severely affected: According to a UN report, their populations have declined by more than 80 percent worldwide since 1970. The main causes are dams, polluted waters, overfishing and interrupted river connections.
Measures were also adopted, such as regional protection programs for the Amazon as well as initiatives against threats such as overexploitation, loss of habitat, illegal hunting, bycatch, plastic pollution and noise under water. (sda/dpa)