London, 24 June 2010 - Migratory
species such as turtles and whales are exceptionally vulnerable
to climate change, according to preliminary findings from
a forthcoming United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
report;Climate Change Vulnerability of Migratory Species.
These preliminary findings and the actions
that need to be taken to avert disaster for migratory
species will be discussed today in a series of talks at
the launch of a new book by journalist, environmentalist
and CMS ambassador Stanley Johnson and co-author Robert
Vagg.
Survival: Saving Endangered Migratory
Species,, published by Stacey International, is an account
of the status of the world's migratory species and the
threats facing them.
Research by the Zoological Society of
London (ZSL) for UNEP's Convention on the Conservation
of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (UNEP/CMS) shows
that even the subtle changes in environmental conditions
that could be caused by climate change could have catastrophic
consequences for animals that migrate.
CMS Executive Secretary Elizabeth Maruma
Mrema said: "Migratory species are particularly threatened
by climate change as they depend on different habitats
to breed, feed and rest. The findings from the report
will facilitate the Convention's response to assist migratory
species in adapting to climate change at a global level."
Among those species that could be affected
are loggerhead turtles, which frequently migrate through
British waters. Risks to them include the loss of suitable
beaches for nesting due to sea-level rise, and a rise
in temperature that could cause whole populations to be
feminized, eradicating males from the species.
Green turtles, hawksbill turtles and
leatherback turtles are also identified as species at
high risk from climate change, along with the blue whale,
West African manatee and giant catfish.
ZSL Project Manager, Aylin McNamara,
who led the research for UNEP/CMS, said: "Increasing
temperatures, changes in precipitation, sea level rise,
ocean acidification, changes in ocean currents and extreme
weather events will all affect migratory species populations.
"The need for international efforts
is imperative to support species conservation across national
borders and to combat climate change."
She added: "These vulnerability
assessments show us the likely order in which these species
will become extinct. This is because under the current
'business as usual' emissions path it's hard to see how
any of these species will be able to survive. I'm afraid
that's how serious the situation is."
Meanwhile, author of Survival: Saving
Endangered Migratory Species, Stanley Johnson announced,
"I have been privileged to have been able to serve
as an honorary Ambassador for the CMS for the last five
years. The CMS does vital work to protect endangered migratory
species. Robert Vagg, the book's co-author, and I are
donating all our authors' royalties to the UNEP-CMS to
help in this important task".
They will be joined by Elizabeth Maruma
Mrema, and Paul Pearce-Kelly, the senior curator at the
Zoological Society of London (ZSL) leading on climate
change issues for the Society.
Notes to Editors:
Zoological Society of London (ZSL)
Founded in 1826, the Zoological Society
of London (ZSL) is an international scientific, conservation
and educational charity whose key role is the conservation
of animals and their habitats. The Society runs ZSL London
Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, carries out scientific research
at the Institute of Zoology and is actively involved in
field conservation overseas. For further information please
visit www.zsl.org
Convention on the Conservation of Migratory
Species (CMS)
The Convention on the Conservation of
Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) is an intergovernmental
treaty concluded under the United Nations Environment
Programme and focusing on the conservation of a wide array
of endangered migratory animals and their habitats worldwide
through the negotiation and implementation of agreements
and species action plans. With currently 113 member countries
CMS is a fast-growing convention with special importance
due to its expertise in the field of migratory species.
CMS provides a framework for global adaptation and mitigation
to save migratory species, and facilitates implementation
in over 140 countries. Key components include identifying
particularly threatened habitats and species, and initiating
emergency response. For further information please visit
www.cms.int
