UN Grants Protection to Cheetah, Snowy Owl and 38 More Species

Forty animal species, including the iconic cheetah and the snowy owl, have been granted new international protection under the United Nations Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS). The decision, announced this week, marks one of the most significant single-session expansions of the CMS appendices, reflecting a growing sense of urgency among conservationists to address rapid declines in migratory animal populations worldwide.

Global Action for Threatened Migratory Species

The official announcement from CMS details how these 40 species were added to the organization’s protected lists, known as Appendix I and II. These appendices categorize species based on their need for strict protection and international cooperation. Appendix I includes species threatened with extinction, for which member countries pledge to implement strict safeguards. Appendix II covers species that benefit from international agreements to improve their conservation status.

• The cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN, with fewer than 7,000 adults estimated to remain in the wild and populations continuing to decline.
• The snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus) is listed as Vulnerable, facing threats from climate change, habitat loss, and declining prey populations.
• The full list of 40 species covers a wide range of birds, mammals, and marine life, each with distinct migratory routes and conservation needs.

Inclusion in the CMS appendices means that member states are now obligated to adopt national and international measures to protect these species, such as safeguarding habitats, reducing human-wildlife conflict, and combating illegal trade.

Why Are Cheetahs and Snowy Owls at Risk?

Both the cheetah and snowy owl are emblematic of broader challenges facing migratory species:

• Cheetahs face habitat fragmentation, conflict with humans and livestock, and illegal trafficking, all contributing to their rapid decline. Their range has shrunk to just 9% of its historical extent, according to the IUCN.
• Snowy owls are especially sensitive to climate change, as warmer temperatures impact their Arctic breeding grounds and the availability of prey, such as lemmings. Recent studies have noted fluctuations and overall declines in snowy owl populations.

The State of the World’s Migratory Species Report 2024 highlights that nearly half of migratory species protected under CMS are experiencing population declines, driven by habitat loss, overexploitation, and environmental changes.

What International Protection Means

Under the CMS, countries commit to a coordinated approach for safeguarding migratory species, whose survival depends on conservation efforts across borders. Measures can include:

• Creating or expanding protected areas along migration routes
• Regulating hunting and trade
• Restoring habitats critical for breeding and feeding
• Promoting public awareness and scientific research

The CMS has a strong track record of facilitating international agreements for species ranging from whales to birds of prey. The addition of cheetahs, snowy owls, and others puts renewed focus on ecosystem-level protections, as many migratory species are indicators of broader environmental health.

Next Steps for Conservation

With 40 species newly listed, the challenge now shifts to implementation. Conservationists and governments will need to coordinate monitoring, enforcement, and cross-border habitat management. The Species+ database allows the public to track the legal status and distribution of these species as new protections take effect.

As threats to wildlife intensify, international action like this is critical to halt and reverse declines. The latest CMS decisions serve as a call to action for member states, researchers, and local communities to work together for the survival of some of the world’s most remarkable migratory animals.