Three Indian species now in global protection list for migratory animals.
• All the three animals were included in the ‘Appendix I’ of the Convention on the Conservation of migratory species of wild animals
• The government highlighted that the Indian elephant is struggling to survive in the continually shrinking, degraded and fragmented habitat
Three Indian species –the mainland Asian elephant, Great Indian Bustard and the Bengal Florican were selected for priority bio-diversity conservation at the United Nations summit for conservation of migratory species of wild animals, on Thursday.
All the three animals were included in the ‘Appendix I’ of the Convention on the Conservation of migratory species of wild animals (CMS). The announcement was made at the ongoing 13th Conference of Parties (COP) of the CMS being hosted by India, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat from February 17-22.
The central government’s proposal was unanimously accepted by the Committee of the Whole (COW), late on Thursday.
Inclusion in the 'Appendix I’ is for ‘migratory species threatened with extinction’ would lead to push for greater habitat protection, prohibition against poaching and facilitation of their movement in the regions and countries that are part of these species ranges.
There are about 47 lakh elephants in the wild in the 13 range countries, with 60% of them in India. The government highlighted that the Indian elephant is struggling to survive in the continually shrinking, degraded and fragmented habitat and is frequently coming into conflict with people, apart from threats of poaching and illegal trade.
Since, it is known to naturally migrate across international borders; it faces similar challenges in other range countries, and there is need for a concerted action to protect them.
While, the other two species - the Great Indian Bustard and Bengal Florican have already been identified as critically endangered which face threats of hunting, and collision with power-lines during their migration to neighbouring countries, especially Pakistan and Nepal.
Under the proposal, the government intends to sign an agreement with the range countries to protect these birds from hunting, power-line collision and habitat loss. (Source: Livemint)
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