The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) has published the latest available evidence of significant changes in the conservation status of migratory species. The interim report highlights emerging trends and recent progress in identifying and protecting critical habitats and migratory pathways.
The report provides an update to the first-ever comprehensive assessment of the state of the world’s migratory species, published in 2024. It finds that 49% of CMS-conserved migratory species populations are in decline (a 5% increase since 2024), and 24% of species are in danger of extinction – 2% more than in 2024.
At the same time, the report highlights progress in mapping migratory pathways, including the Global Initiative on Ungulate Migration (GIUM), the Migratory Connectivity in the Ocean (MiCO) system, and BirdLife International’s work to identify and map six major marine flyways, among other initiatives. Positive developments include advances in identifying and safeguarding important habitats and migratory corridors, and some species’ recovery through coordinated action.
Key findings include:
- Seven CMS-listed species have improved, including the saiga antelope, scimitar-horned oryx, and Mediterranean monk seal.
- 26 CMS-listed species, including 18 migratory shorebirds, have moved to higher extinction risk categories.
- 9,372 Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) of significance to CMS-listed species have been identified.
- 47% of the area covered by KBAs is not covered by protected and conserved areas.
- Progress has been made on advancing knowledge on important habitats and migratory routes for sharks/rays and marine mammals, and initiatives have been launched to identify areas for marine turtles.
The report emphasizes the need to improve the status of all migratory species listed under the Convention. Action is particularly urgent for the 188 species listed in CMS Appendix I (migratory species in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of their range), including 28 terrestrial mammals, 23 aquatic mammals, 103 birds, eight reptiles, and 26 fish.
The interim report was developed for CMS by the UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) and other contributors. Its findings reflect recent significant changes in the conservation status of CMS-listed species since the 2024 baseline, based on data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, as well as newly reported population trends and changes in extinction risk documented in the scientific literature.
Launched on 5 March 2026, the report will inform deliberations during the 15th meeting of the CMS Conference of the Parties (CMS COP15), to be held in Campo Grande, Brazil, from 23-29 March. [Publication: State of the World’s Migratory Species: Interim Report (2026)] [Publication Landing Page] [CMS Press Release]