A recently published report by the United Nations reveals that approximately half of all migratory species are currently experiencing a decrease in population. This information was released on Monday.

Numerous species of birds, turtles, whales, sharks, and other migratory creatures relocate to varying habitats during different seasons, but face threats such as habitat destruction, illegal hunting and fishing, pollution, and climate change.

The report discovered that approximately 44% of migratory species across the globe are experiencing a decrease in population. Out of the almost 1,200 species tracked by the U.N., over a fifth of them are at risk of becoming extinct.

According to Kelly Malsch, the main author of the report presented at a U.N. conference on wildlife in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, these are types of animals that travel across the world in search of food and to reproduce, and they also require designated stopping points along their journey.

The decline in populations can be caused by habitat destruction or other dangers encountered during their journey.

“Duke University ecologist Stuart Pimm, who was not involved in the report, stated that migration is crucial for certain species. Removing migration would result in the extinction of these species.”

The report utilized available data, including data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List, which monitors the endangered status of species.

Attendees of the United Nations conference intend to assess suggestions for preservation efforts and decide whether to officially designate a number of newly identified species as being at risk.

According to Susan Lieberman, who serves as the vice president for international policy at the nonprofit Wildlife Conservation Society, it is not possible for a single country to rescue any of these endangered species.

During the meeting, it is anticipated that eight South American governments will collectively suggest the inclusion of two types of diminishing Amazon catfish to the list of migratory species of concern under the U.N. treaty, according to her statement.

The Amazon River basin is the largest system of freshwater in the world. According to Lieberman, preserving the habitat is crucial for the thriving of catfish in the Amazon.

At the U.N. Biodiversity Conference in Montreal, Canada, in 2022, world leaders promised to safeguard 30% of the Earth’s land and water areas for preservation.

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The Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group provides support to the Associated Press Health and Science Department. The AP is responsible for all content.

Source: wral.com