Global discussions in Brazil are focusing on potentially enhancing protections for several well-known species. Sharks, giant otters, hyenas, and snowy owls are among those suggested for inclusion in the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), a United Nations environmental treaty. These species share a common trait of not having a single home, making them vulnerable to threats like deforestation, climate change, and industrial fishing that necessitate collaborative efforts across multiple countries for their survival.
According to Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, the deputy executive director of the UN Environment Programme, these species highlight the interconnectedness of the natural world by linking continents, oceans, ecosystems, and cultures. Experts interviewed by CBC News provided insights into the movements, challenges, and potential solutions for these species.
Snowy owls, known for their striking appearance, are facing declines in some regions, with Sweden declaring them regionally extinct due to the disappearance of their key food source, lemmings. While populations in Canada and the United States are still stable, countries on the fringes of their range are experiencing dwindling numbers. Efforts are underway to raise awareness about the threats facing snowy owls, particularly related to climate change impacting their prey.
Hammerhead sharks, described as the “white blood cells of the ocean,” play a crucial role in maintaining prey populations’ genetic fitness. However, their schooling behavior makes them susceptible to overfishing, driven by the demand for their fins and cartilage. Ecuador is proposing stricter protections for critically endangered hammerhead species to facilitate their recovery through measures like marine protected areas and sustainable fisheries management.
Giant otters, as apex predators in South American rivers, are facing habitat loss due to droughts, deforestation, and river disconnections caused by hydropower projects. While viable populations exist in Brazil, countries like Argentina and Uruguay have already deemed the species extinct. Proposals at the conference aim to highlight the threats faced by giant otters and emphasize the need for international cooperation to maintain aquatic habitats.
The ongoing conference in Brazil involves discussions on 42 new migratory species proposals, with countries voting on whether to add these species to the appendices. The conference, running until March 29, underscores the importance of collaborative efforts to protect these vulnerable species and their habitats.