Endangered migratory species face extinction threat.

The "State of the World's Migratory Species" report released by the U.N. last month reveals that 22% of migratory animals are at risk of extinction, while 44% are experiencing significant population decline.

The U.N. Environment Programme's Executive Director Inger Andersen stated that the report is the first-ever comprehensive assessment of migratory species.

Andersen stated that our behavior, which involves unsustainable human activities, is putting the future of these species at risk, and by extension, the future of other species and humanity.

A closer examination of some of the most affected species, their migration patterns, and the potential future for them.

Leatherback turtles

Leatherback turtles are renowned for their extensive migration routes and diverse habitats, with some undertaking aquatic journeys of over 10,000 miles. They can be found in various locations, including the Caribbean and the frigid coasts of Russia and Alaska, depending on the season.

Leatherbacks, a broad-ranging species, face various threats such as warming waters, light pollution, poaching, and accidental ensnarement in fishing nets. Despite this, they are not considered endangered but vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

Sand tiger sharks

In their vast natural environment, sand tiger sharks are recognized as apex predators and can be found in the coastal waters of over 50 nations.

Recently, there has been a surge in attacks by sand tigers, with 13 of the 36 unprovoked attacks happening off the coast of New York in the last two years.

Although they are known for their prolific and domineering nature, as well as their recent notoriety, sand tigers are classified as critically endangered by the IUCN, just one classification away from effective extinction.

The species' infrequent and low-yielding breeding patterns, as well as aggravating factors such as fishing, pollution, and habitat loss, make sand tigers an endangered species.

Monarch butterflies

The IUCN classifies monarch butterflies as "least concern," but the status of their migratory subspecies, which travels to Mexico each winter from the U.S. and Canada, fluctuates between vulnerability and endangerment.

The short lifespan of monarch butterflies means that no single butterfly completes the entire migratory process, making their annual southward trek one of nature's more curious phenomena.

Over the past few winters, Mexico has reported a decreasing monarch presence. Last year saw a 22% drop over 2022, and this year saw a 59% drop over last, meaning monarchs are wintering there at the second-lowest rate ever recorded.

While humans are responsible for some threats to migratory monarchs, such as deforestation and pesticide use, naturally occurring factors like heat and droughts also play a significant role.

In California, the number of migratory monarch butterflies wintering has increased significantly, from 247,000 in 2021 to 330,000 last year, indicating that conservation efforts may have helped prevent the species from becoming extinct.