Domestic hunting, fishing, trapping, or capturing of migratory species for food, domestic sale, sport, medicine, rituals, or retaliation in human–wildlife conflict threatens the survival of 70% of the 1,200 species accorded strict legal protection under the Convention on Migratory Species. Illegal and / or unsustainable taking has become one of the most urgent and escalating threats to migratory species worldwide. While global attention has largely focused on high-value illegal international trade, which can include trade in migratory species, for most of these species, taking linked to domestic motivations is a much greater threat. CREDIT: Team Bars Turkmenistan/MoEPT/CXL
Illegal and unsustainable taking of wildlife—driven largely by domestic use for food, local markets, cultural practices, and weak governance—has become one of the most urgent and escalating threats to migratory species worldwide. While global attention has largely focused on high-value illegal international trade, which can include trade in migratory species, for most of these species, taking linked to domestic motivations is a much greater threat.
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To address this mounting pressure, the Secretariat of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) officially launches the Global Initiative on the Taking of Migratory Species (GTI) during a special event here at its 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15).
“The launch of the Global Initiative on the Taking of Migratory Species (GTI) marks a turning point in our collective efforts to protect migratory species. By tackling the root causes of illegal and unsustainable taking, we are safeguarding not only wildlife but also the livelihoods and cultures that depend on them,” said Amy Fraenkel, Executive Secretary of CMS.
Illegal and/or Unsustainable Taking: What It Is
Illegal and/or unsustainable taking refers to the removal of wild animals from nature in ways that are prohibited under the Convention and/or exceed the level of taking that can be sustained by species populations. Taking for domestic motivations can include hunting, fishing, trapping, or capturing migratory species for food, domestic sale, sport, medicine, rituals, or retaliation in human–wildlife conflict.
This form of taking is a major direct driver of biodiversity loss globally. Weak enforcement, limited data on levels of take, and growing demand further intensify pressures on migratory species.
The 2024 State of the World’s Migratory Species report identified that illegal and/or unsustainable taking threatens the survival of 70 per cent of all the 1,200 species listed under the Convention.
A New Global Initiative to Address a Global Challenge
The GTI is a collaborative global effort under CMS that will bring together governments, international organizations, scientists, conservation organizations, and indigenous peoples and local communities to address the drivers of illegal and unsustainable taking. It will focus on four key areas of work: 1) improve data and monitoring, 2) strengthen legal and policy frameworks, 3) enhance community engagement, and 4) raise awareness.
Developed in response to mandates adopted by CMS COP14, the GTI complements existing CMS, CITES, and other global frameworks, filling a critical gap in international wildlife conservation, by focusing specifically on domestic offtake and drivers.
The initiative is being launched together with partner organizations whose work is directly relevant to addressing these challenges: the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), BirdLife International, the Global Initiative to End Wildlife Crime, International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC), Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), Fauna and Flora, International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), International Council of Environmental Law, the UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC), Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and TRAFFIC.
The Governments of Uzbekistan, the United Kingdom, and France are among the CMS Parties participating in this new initiative and provided financial support.
What the GTI is Expected to Deliver
The Global Initiative on the Taking of Migratory Species is expected to provide concrete and coordinated support to CMS Parties by strengthening national laws and enforcement systems, improving data collection and monitoring of taking, and identifying gaps where action is most urgently needed. It will engage indigenous peoples and local communities to elevate community‑led solutions, promote sustainable practices, and identify and address the drivers behind domestic use. In addition, the GTI will support public awareness efforts, help reduce demand for illegal or unsustainably sourced wildlife, and promote evidence‑based policies across Range States.
This initiative will fill a longstanding gap in global conservation efforts, and is expected to equip countries with the tools, partnerships and knowledge required to safeguard migratory species from this growing threat.