The 13th Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) currently underway in Gandhinagar, Gujarat has witnessed important developments. India’s proposition to enlist the Great Indian Bustard, Asian Elephant, and Bengal Florican under Appendix I of UN Convention on Migratory Species was met with unanimous approval. This marks a significant milestone in wildlife conservation, as species under Appendix I are recognized as endangered based on the latest scientific evidence available.
The Asian Elephant: A critically endangered species
The Asian Elephant calls India its natural home, housing the world’s largest population of this species. It is also found in Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Myanmar. The Asian Elephant typically inhabits shrublands, artificial/terrestrial forests, and grasslands. Regrettably, it has been bestowed the status of ‘Endangered’ as per the IUCN Red List of threatened species due to numerous threats. Further, it is also listed under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The challenges that the Asian Elephant faces are habitat loss and fragmentation, human-elephant conflict, and poaching and illegal trade of elephants.
Glimpse into the life of the Great Indian Bustard
The Great Indian Bustard holds the distinction of being one of the heaviest flying birds globally. Its primary habitat is the dry grasslands and scrublands on the Indian subcontinent with Rajasthan state housing its largest populations, rightfully earning its title as the state bird. Unfortunately, this majestic bird has been classified as ‘Critically Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List. Adding to its protection, it is listed in Appendix I of CITES and Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Over the last half a century, its population has plummeted by approximately 90% mainly owing to rampant poaching.
The Bengal Florican: A rare bird on the brink
The Bengal Florican is distributed across two distinct populations; one in the Indian Subcontinent and the other in South-East Asia. In the Indian Subcontinent, it is predominantly seen in India (Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh) and the terai region of Nepal. This bird favours lowland dry or seasonally inundated grasslands, often peppered with scattered scrub or patchy open forest. It has been labelled as ‘Critically Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List. Further, this bird is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act of India, 1972, and Appendix I of CITES. Alarmingly, its population is experiencing a swift decline due to the widespread destruction of its grassland habitat.
Through the inclusion of these species in Appendix I of UN Convention on Migratory Species, recognition of their critically endangered status is amplified, thus paving the way for concerted, global efforts towards their conservation. The decisions taken at the 13th COP to the CMS are not merely a commendable step towards wildlife preservation in India, but signal a message to the world about the urgency to act on escalating wildlife threats.
