**Excerpt:** The U.N. has granted international protection to 40 new species, including the snowy owl and cheetah, following the COP15 summit in Brazil.
Key Points
– 40 new species, including the snowy owl, cheetah, and hammerhead shark, received international protection.
– The decision was made at the COP15 summit in Campo Verde, Brazil, attended by representatives from 132 countries.
– Species such as the Hudsonian godwit and giant otter also made the new protection list.
– Conservation measures include habitat restoration and cooperation among member countries.
– A report highlights that nearly half of all species catalogued by the CMS are in decline.
U.N. Protects New Species
The United Nations Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) has approved the protection of 40 new species, including the iconic snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus), cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), and the great hammerhead shark (Sphyrna mokarran). This decision was announced at the COP15 summit held in Campo Verde, Brazil.
Significant Additions
Among the newly protected species are:
– **Hudsonian godwit** (Limosa haemastica): A long-beaked shorebird facing extinction.
– **Striped hyena** (Hyaena hyaena): A land mammal also included in the protection list.
– **Giant otter** (Pteronura brasiliensis): An aquatic mammal now under international protection.
The CMS noted that many migratory species are facing increased threats of extinction, prompting the need for stronger international action.
Conservation Obligations
Countries that are parties to the CMS are required to:
– Protect species listed as at risk of extinction.
– Conserve and restore their habitats.
– Prevent obstacles to migration.
– Cooperate with other range states to ensure the survival of these species.
The Need for Immediate Action
Campo Verde, situated in Brazil’s biodiverse Pantanal wetlands, serves as a critical location for such discussions. A report released prior to the summit indicated that nearly 49% of species catalogued by the CMS are experiencing population declines, with one in four species worldwide threatened with extinction.
CMS Executive Secretary Amy Fraenkel emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We came to Campo Grande knowing that the populations of half the species protected under this treaty are in decline.”
Broader Environmental Concerns
The summit also highlighted alarming trends regarding migratory freshwater fish populations, which are essential for river health and local communities’ livelihoods. Habitat destruction, overfishing, and water pollution pose significant threats to these species.
In conclusion, the COP15 summit’s resolutions underscore the necessity for immediate and coordinated global conservation efforts to protect vulnerable species and their habitats.
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