ON MIGRATION

Why do animals migrate?

Because there are seasons. These result in temporary differences in food availability, weather, light conditions, etc. Migratory animals make use of such differences and exploit resources which are available in different parts of the globe only during part of the year or of their life cycles. They have evolved so that they can live for some time in areas that could not sustain them the whole year round.

So, what is migration?

Migration is a natural phenomenon by which individuals of given species move between areas which they inhabit at different times of the year. Migratory movements tend to be regular and largely predictable. They may take place over large fronts or along thin, traditional routes; in one single, continuous journey or as a series of legs interspersed with rests. In this latter case, many species use regular staging areas as stop-over sites where they recover from the previous leg and gather fuel before they continue their trip.

ON CONSERVATION

Why should migratory species be conserved?

Migratory species of animals are, on average, more at risk of becoming endangered than non-migratory species. This is so because their requirements are greater: not only do they need good habitat for reproduction but also during their off-season and all along their migratory routes. In an ever-changing world, human pressure is high on some of those habitats, and also often on the animals themselves (hunting, incidental catch, etc). As a result, many migratory species that were once common are becoming increasingly rare. We all share a responsibility in the conservation of this common natural heritage.

What migratory species are most at risk?

Some species lead such secretive lives that not enough can always be done to improve their conservation status. This is the case of the Slender-billed Curlew, the breeding grounds of which are still unknown, so few effective measures can be taken to protect those species during the breeding season. It is a similar case with marine turtles and some of the marine mammals, the life habits of which are only poorly known. Also particularly at risk are those species subject to unsustainable exploitation and those with small populations.

ON GLOBAL ISSUES

Are migratory species affected by climate change? If so, to what extent?

Migratory species certainly are affected by climate change, although it is difficult to say to what extent. The degree of affection varies according to the species, its habitat and food requirements, etc. But, on the whole, it can be said that being biologically dependant on more than one habitat, migratory species are among the worst affected by climate change. Climate change may not only alter the biological characteristics of a given habitat, thus even making it unsuitable for that species, but it may also displace certain biological components to other locations. In the latter case, should the component be of vital importance to the migratory species, it would be forced to adapt its migratory habits to the new circumstances.

What role do migratory species play in relation to global biodiversity?

Migratory species of wild animals represent only a fraction of the total biodiversity, yet they are a very significant portion of the world’s genetic resources. They have evolved in intricate interrelationships, in many cases still to be fully understood, with resident plant and other animal species. They also play a unique role as indicators for the interdependence of and linkages between ecosystems and for ecological change. And they are, most of all, vulnerable as a result of their long migrations, which involve many risks.

ON CMS

Why is it called "The Bonn Convention"?

Because it was signed in Bonn, Germany, on 23 June 1979. Like many other international treaties Washington, Bern, Ramsar, Barcelona, Basel, etc.) it is commonly known after the city where it was concluded.

How does CMS relate to other Conventions in the field of wildlife, conservation?

CMS is the only global (and UN-based) intergovernmental organization which is established exclusively for the conservation and management of migratory species. Although migratory species in general are included in theConvention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and migratory fish species are covered by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), these conventions do not provide for the special instruments for the conservation work to be done. Other global wildlife conventions, such as Ramsar, CITES and the World Heritage Convention, have their specific fields of application, with little overlap with CMS. It may, however, arise that regional agreements concluded under the auspices of CMS to a certain extent overlap some global or regional conventions. For this reason, the CMS Secretariat has developed instruments to communicate and co-operate effectively with the secretariats of other international conventions.

ON CMS MEMBERSHIP

What are the advantages, for a country, of joining CMS?

As a Party to the Convention on Migratory Species, any given country will:

demonstrate its commitment to the conservation, including sustainable use, of migratory species on a global scale;

strengthen its legal and technical capacity to utilize valuable natural resources on a sustainable basis, while at the same time ensuring their conservation for the benefit of future generations;

benefit from co-operation with other countries sharing the same migratory animals or experiencing similar conservation challenges;

improve access to relevant technologies and data, and benefit from a regular exchange of information and expertise;

have a full mandate, including voting rights, to participate in meetings of the Conference of the Parties, where decisions are taken on such important matters as the allocation of financial resources, preparation of triennial work programmes, adoption of financial regulations and rules of procedure, as well as specific resolutions and recommendations; and

be eligible to participate in the work of the various other organs of the Convention, such as the CMS Scientific Council, Standing Committee and working groups established thereunder.

NATIONAL REPORTS

When is the next national report due to be submitted ?

According to Article VI (3) of the Convention, the national reports should be submitted six months prior to the COP.