ARROBANG, Romel A.

ENS 275
2006-69539

Migratory Species 79: Personal Perspectives

“Migratory species are a ‘living thread’ which connect habitats and

people across the world.”

Mankind thinks that they are more privileged compared to other occupants of the world. Mankind thinks that
they hold the power over other creatures of the Earth. Humans overexploit resources and bring different species to
extinction. Humans tend to be selfish. These thinking should be put to stop. We, humans, should not be the reason for
their disappearances but we should be the voice of these species that cannot speak for themselves. We, humans, are
only a portion of these complex web of life and among us are the different species that thrive to stay alive.
Among the different dwellers of the Earth, 8,000 to 10,000 of these species migrate. According to the
Convention on Migratory Species (CMS, 1979), a migratory species “are any species of wild animals in which a
significant proportion of the members of the entire population or any geographically separate part of the population
cyclically and predictably crosses one or more national jurisdictional boundaries”. In other words, these species travel
from one place to another. These species go to different places all over the world at specific point of time. Being said
that, these species are not particular and definitely not familiar with the laws of the country. As they cross the
boundary or enter a territory, these species are not aware of the risks they embark. Boundaries do not only divide
countries from others but it also possess different policies and laws with regards to animal rights. Thus, the Convention
on Migratory Species was acted upon in order to govern the protection of these species without limitations on
boundaries. CMS became the voice of all migratory species and these species are protected all throughout the different
jurisdictional territories. At the beginning, 29 countries signed in the Convention and through the years many more
countries are participating in the convention. CMS unifies policies and regulations relative to the protection of these
migratory species on all boundaries.
Moving on, migration is necessary for the different species in order to increase their chances of survival.
Furthermore, these migratory species, as they settle in one place, became a temporary part of an ecosystem and
fulfilling some important yet seasonal ecological roles such as pest control, seed dispersal and pollination. Along with
this, these species also transfer energy and matter between other ecosystems. Their importance stretch up to
economics like tourism. Therefore, migratory species should be protected because they play important roles in the
ecosystem. Being said that, it is relevant that these migratory species should be protected from any harm and should
be conserved for the future generations.
CMS recognized the relevance of these migratory species in the balance of life here on Earth. From the
Convention in 1979, a text was signed by participating parties that agreed on the protection and conservation of these
migratory species—these include all terrestrial, aquatic and avian species. Also, CMS has the goal to protect these
species from extinction. Thus, all migratory species that are vulnerable to extinction are listed on Appendix I of the
Convention while Appendix II possessed all migratory species that need for conservation. Both Appendices plays a vital
role in the protection of these migratory species. Once listed in these Appendices, any migratory species are free from
harm and endangerment. CMS also works with different experts and world organizations to further enhance
conservation strategies for the different migratory species. Also, the Convention helps policy makers of the different
participating countries to incorporate different conservation programs of these migratory species.
Many species have gone extinct and we could never bring them back. Extinction are irreversible and future
generations could only see these species through pictures from books. CMS recognized the environmental values of
these migratory species. CMS primary goal is to protect these species from extinction. They have provided good efforts
in unifying different countries and organizations to help them save these species but it is our chance to help them.
We, humans, should be responsible for the welfare of our traveling visitors. We, humans, should not be the reason for
their extinctions but we should become their protectors from harm. We should become their voice and conserve them.
These migratory species are also important to the equilibrium of the environment.
Mankind should understand that we are not superior to other occupants of the world. Mankind should respect
the rights of animals to live. Mankind should have the moral obligations to protect these animals. Mankind should be
humane. All of us are dwellers of the Earth. All of us have the right to live.