40 species added to UN migratory protections, including snowy owl.

After a week of talks in Campo Grande, countries added 40 migratory species to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species appendices, including the snowy owl and several hammerhead sharks, to encourage stronger cross-border protections.

Countries meeting in Campo Grande, Brazil agreed to add 40 migratory animal species to the United Nations' Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) appendices. The decision came after a week of negotiations at the convention's 15th meeting. The additions name species such as cheetahs, snowy owls, giant otters and great hammerhead sharks and place them on Appendix I or II based on their status. Appendix I listings call for prohibitions on deliberate capture or killing, while Appendix II encourages cooperative action plans among range states. The total number of species listed across both appendices now exceeds 1,200. Key points: - Forty migratory species were added to the CMS appendices following the Campo Grande meeting. - The snowy owl was placed on Appendix II; Norway proposed its listing to support monitoring and cooperation. - Two varieties of hammerhead shark were moved to Appendix I, which requires parties to prohibit deliberate capture. - The CMS now covers more than 1,200 species across its appendices. - The convention has been ratified by over 130 countries, while some major farming and fishing nations, including the United States, China and Japan, are not parties. Summary: The listings expand international recognition of these species' cross-border movements and create frameworks for cooperation among range states. Observers noted the CMS relies on voluntary, non-binding measures and faces funding limitations. The next CMS meeting is expected in Bonn in 2029, marking 50 years since the treaty's signing.