More one-fifth of migrating species are at risk of extinction, the United Nations warns in its first report on migrating animals. The agency cites climate change and shrinking space for animal habitats.
The report notes 44% of the 1,189 species covered by a 1979 U.N. convention to protect migratory animals have had population declines and up to 22% could go extinct. Up to 75% of the species have experienced habitat loss since that time.
This gives “a very clear direction” to governments, said Amy Fraenkel, executive secretary of the U.N. Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals. “It’s always about implementation.” The report recommends governments keep animal habitats and migration routes in mind when building infrastructure, including pipelines and wind turbines.
Meanwhile, the U.N. will launch a program offering technical assistance to countries seeking to protect habitats, Fraenkel said.
