Migratory species: Biological, cultural and economic assets of the Americas 2 © WWF-Cannon / J rgen FREUND yl h u ate h rsrvival. ir sur n a rantees the les i t gua f mi cycle tha usands o avel tho cies tr gratory spe Mi
© WWF-Cannon / Carlos DREWS Migratory species: Biological, cultural and economic assets of the Americas
It is thought that they have biological nental to coastal zones, along rivers and The leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) clocks and are good geographers be- streams, and others that are altitudinal in is one of the most surprising sea turtles cause many recognize rivers, moun- nature; in other words, some creatures go for its huge size with a carapace length tains and cities; some even say that up and down the mountains, like the quet- of up to 6 feet and weighing up to 885 they are great astronomers because zal, which in a certain season of the year lbs, and because it travels the longest they guide themselves by means of migrates to lower lands to find food. distances ever recorded for a reptile, a the sun, the stars and even the Earth s journey that it makes between its feed- magnetic field; others recognize chem- Very small species like ruby-throated ing areas and the nesting beach where it ical odors and marine currents. What hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris), was hatched in order to lay its eggs. For is certain is that every year, millions of which measure only 10 cm, fly non-stop example, a female found nesting in June migratory species, whether by water, for 26 hours from Canada and the United 2005 on Samsambo Beach in Surinam land or air, travel enormous distances States to Central America at a velocity traveled around the Atlantic Ocean, vis- over the American continent and be- of 28 mph for a voyage of 652 miles that iting the coasts of Africa and Europe for yond in search of better climatic condi- even includes crossing the Gulf of Mex- a trip of over 9,000 miles, before begin- tions, more abundant food or a suitable ico. If the blackpoll warbler (Dendroica ning her return to Surinam. site for reproduction, which generally striata), only 13 cm long, were to burn coincides with the warmer season. gasoline instead of body fat, it would get And the most extensive individual mi- 715,852 miles per gallon. gration known for a mammal was that These odysseys are not exempt from of a humpback whale (Megaptera no- great challenges; some species travel up The abilities of many of these admirable vaeangliae), initially spotted off the Ant- to 20,000 miles round-trip. This happens travelers can even compete with those arctic Peninsula and then seen off the with species of whales, bats, birds, fish, of commercial aviation, if not in time, Santa Elena Peninsula of Costa Rica, sea turtles and even insects like the mon- then in altitude. For example, Swainson s for a total trip of 7,130 miles. arch butterfly. Most flee the North Ameri- hawks, which on their voyage from North can winter to seek food in the southern America to the Southern Cone only mi- part of the continent, and then return to grate during the day taking advantage of their feeding grounds in the north when rising warm air currents to reach altitudes their favorite foods sprout anew in the above 19,680 feet and traveling distances spring. But there are also migrations that of up to 37 miles without losing altitude. are made from the east to the west of They travel a total of 6214 miles in a little the continent and vice versa, from conti- more than two months.
© WWF-Cannon / Carlos DREWS 3 to agriculture, but even so they are perse- beneficial cuted in many countries and suffer from species the application of pesticides in open fields in the southern part of the continent, where On our continent, from the Arctic to they concentrate in large populations. Antarctica, migratory species are vital ecological and economic resources, There are around 200 species of Neotro- shared by the nations and inhabitants pical migratory birds that reproduce in of the Western Hemisphere. They are North America during the summer and sources of food, means of livelihood in winter they travel to Mexico, Central and recreation, and they have impor- America or the Caribbean islands where tant biological, cultural and economic they feed on nectar, among other things, © Merlin D. TUTTLE / Bat Conservation International values for society. at the same time pollinating hundreds of plants that are useful to Americans for food, medicines and decoration.
Therefore, protecting migratory species not only helps their survival, it also helps main- Despite the ir Essential in tain balance in food chains and the proper appearance functioning of the ecosystems and the ser- and the myths nature vices that these natural environments offer about the m, Swainson s to other species and human beings. bats a re a nimals hawks f eed o n Bats are one example of the biological that o ffer ma ny animals t hat value of migrations. Despite their appear- benefits to are harm ful t o ance and the myths about them, they play human beings. agriculture al ong key roles in ecosystems. Not only do they their m igration disperse the seeds of a great vari- route. ety of plant species and maintain and restore forests by helping many plants to survive in arid ecosystems, they are also im- portant pest control agents for crops. The free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis), which lives in Mexico in winter and in the United States in SummerÊ (breeding) summer, feeds on moths that attack WinterÊ (non-breeding) corn, cotton and other economically Migration
important crops. A protected colony of SwainsonÕ Hawk sÊ 100 thousand of these bats can con- Swainson s Hawk sume up to a ton of insects per night. migration map
As As happens happens with with many many bird bird species that Map c reated b y migrate, Swainson s hawks (Buteo swain- eNature/NWF soni) also feed on animals that are harmful © Fort Photo © Fort Photo 4 International Conservation of Butterflies Monarch butterflies In 1986, the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve was created in the Mexican make a major hibernation area of this butterfly that comes from the US and Canada, where il- contribution legal logging had placed this important habitat at risk. In 2000, the reserve area to the local was expanded by 16,110 hectares to a little more than 56,000 hectares and economy the Monarch Conservation Fund was created, a financial scheme that offers as a tourist attraction. economic support to the communities as compensation for the loss of income from logging, as well as for their conservation projects. Scientific research, education, and habitat restoration and protection are also carried out. This has allowed the monarch butterfly to become a symbol of identity and success for the Mexican communities located near the butterfly’s habitat, making them the © WWF-Cannon / Fritz PÖLKING butterfly’s main allies.
The common tern (Sterna hirundo) is a SYmbols of symbolic species for Samboromb n, Ar-Ar- local gentina. A school environmental educa-educa- tion program in this region of Argentina cultures has students identify with this species that travels from North America, by havhav-- Many migratory species have important ing them participate in bird-banding acac-- cultural value for local populations on the tivities with the scientists, beach clean- continent, even representing a symbol of ups and artistic contests to learn and their identity. This is the case of the mon- raise awareness about the importance of arch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), native conserving migratory birds such as the to the northern United States and south- tern. Cultural exchanges are also carried ern Canada, which offers one of the most out with schools in other provinces that notorious migration spectacles when coincide with other bird species during some 120 million of these insects travel their mi gration. approximately 3,100 miles every fall to the mountains with pine-oak and fir for- In American mythology bats were notable ests between the borders of the states of deities and were frequently represented as Michoacán and Mexico, where they spend such in Mayan steles, codices and ceramic the northern winter. Thanks to this unique vessels. They also had a strong presence spectacle, the local economy has been in other indigenous cultures; for example, flourishing with the many tourism services they appear forged in gold pieces of Pe- that are offered to the more than 250,000 ruvian artistic treasure and in zoomorphic visitors that come to the region to witness representations of the pre-Columbian cul- Bats appear in Mayan this natural phenomenon. tures of Santo Domingo and Cuba. culture as deities. 5 the species that these tourists seek make Animals that help the stops during their migrations to feed, gain strength, and restart their flights. economy They do this in natural environments rich in nutrients, such as estuaries and wet- Many migratory species, as is the case lands, which are often degraded and re- with birds, sea turtles and whales, are quire protection. Because species do not highly valuable tourism attractions for de- recognize borders, their resting, feeding veloping country economies. The obser- and reproduction areas throughout the vation of sea turtles by tourists generates hemisphere must be protected in order to local income almost three times higher safeguard the local income that is gener- than income derived from the sale of turtle ated by the bird-lovers. products, most of which are illegal. At Tor- tuguero beach in Costa Rica, the conser- Similarly, more than 15,000 people per vation efforts carried out for more than 50 day in at least 87 countries watch ceta- years by NGOs, the government and the ceans, whose migratory species include local community, have given rise to tour- blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus), ism based on green turtles and leather- southern right whales (Eubalaena aus- backs that today generates around 7 mil- tralis) and humpback whales (Megaptera lion dollars per year. In the Brazilian littoral novaeangliae). It is estimated that there zone, sea turtle conservation and tourism are 500 communities involved in com- projects give jobs to more than 1,200 local mercial activities to watch these char- people, 60% of whom are women. ismatic species. According to a recent
© WWF-Canon / James FRANKHAM report only in Latin America, between Bird-watchers are a growing tourist seg- 1998 and 2006, the whale watching pre- ment that spends millions of dollars each sented a strong growth, with an average year in nations of the continent. Many of rate of 11.3% per year. Currently the
EstimatedÊ greenÊ turtleÊ nests Whale-watching i s a to urism TouristsÊ enteringÊ TortugueroÊ NationalÊ Park TouristsÊ participatingÊ inÊ turtleÊ tours activity tha t i s gr owing year 10000 after year and benefiting coastal co mmunities. 8000
6000
4000
2000
0 1970 1980 1990 2000 © Caribbean Conservation Corporation
Conservation efforts pay-off: the green turtle nesting population in Tortuguero, Costa Rica, is on the rise. And so are the numbers of tourists that visit this national park and take part in guided turtle tours that boost the local economies. 6 activity in this region involves 91 com- Satellite-tracking projects, supported by Responsible fishing is essential munities in 18 countries, with 885.679 different NGOs and research institutes, are for ensuring that commercially persons that annually watch whales carried out in the protected areas of the valuable species continue to and dolphins. In Costa Rica alone, there Eastern Pacific to determine the daily move- reach our tables are more than 62 tour operators in this ments and migrations of the hammerhead business, whose activity is now con- shark and refine conservation measures. trolled by a regulation for responsible There is a theory that volcanic islands have whale-watching. Several environmental magnetic fields that the sharks use like a organizations are promoting respon- compass for orienting themselves around sible and educational observation of the zone where they are feeding. What is whales and dolphins in the Americas in certain is that this shark can travel up to order to benefit both the species and 372 miles in two weeks in schools of 30 to the communities 200 individuals, a sight that no diving tourist would want to miss. Dive tourism also leaves millions of dol- lars each year in the Wider Caribbean Many of the fish that reach our tables, and the Tropical Eastern Pacific. One such as tuna, mahi-mahi, and swordfish, of the migratory species that generates also migrate. When they mate, some trav- the most fascination in this market is el to the edge of the continental platform the hammerhead shark (Sphyrna lewini), where they deposit their eggs to protect which in America is found from the Cali- them from possible predators. The young fornia coasts to possibly northern Peru. fish swim to mangrove areas on the coast Its distribution includes world-famous to feed and when they develop they go dive destinations, including the marine to deeper waters or even to the open protected areas of the Galapagos Is- sea, where they continue with their cycle. lands (Ecuador), Cocos Island (Costa Protecting this cycle is also guaranteeing Rica), Malpelo and Gorgona (Colombia) food security and the economic value of and Coiba (Panama). fisheries of the Americas.
Southern Right Whale Project
Along the coast of the province of Santa Cruz in Argentina, studies on southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) population population status status and habitat use, show that an area more than 500 km off the Valdés Peninsula (Chubut Province) is the southernmost zone for this species in Argentina. Besides develop- ing scientific research, the project works with the local community on educational proposals and trains tour op-
erators on whale spotting, among other activities. © WWF-Cannon / Cat HOLLOWAY The hammerhead From 1991 to 2004, the number of tourists participating in whale-watch- shark, a large ing tours at Valdés Peninsula grew from 17,400 to 96,400, an increase predator, is a highly of 14% per year. migratory species. 7 hemispheric commitment for the protection of migratorY species
Despite their great biological, cultural and partnerships at regional, national and lo- WHMSI is a non-binding mechanism economic value, many migratory species cal levels. WHMSI’s main mechanism for that in no way addresses claims of sov- are endangered in the western hemi- achieving this mission is through facilitation ereignty over disputed territories among sphere. They have been placed in grave and coordination among people, commu- any interested States. Its principles and danger by human actions such as overex- nities, sites and initiatives as they relate to objectives represent a consensus of all ploitation, water pollution, alteration and migratory species and their habitats across participants. Being non-prescriptive and destruction of breeding and hibernation the hemisphere. created to facilitate cooperation among habitats such as forests and wetlands, il- both governmental and non-governmen- legal trade, use of pesticides and, more WHMSI is based upon recognizing that all tal interests spanning the breadth of the recently, climate change that is modifying countries of the Western Hemisphere are hemisphere, WHMSI focuses only on terrestrial and marine habitats. parties to international conventions, trea- migratory species conservation matters ties and accords through which they are of broad common interest, particularly Since migratory species do not recognize committed to the conservation of migratory those which will deliver positive results borders, the conservation of these species, species. WHMSI aims to assist countries in on the ground. their habitats and migration routes, as well fulfilling these commitments. as the multiple benefits they offer to Ameri- Second WHMSI Conference cans can only be achieved through joint ef- The initiative was developed by wildlife forts of the hemisphere s nations. There are agency directors and other senior officials The Second WHMSI conference took place international conventions that precisely from Western Hemisphere countries who in 2006 in Costa Rica, with a focus on iden- seek t his wo rk a nd j oint commitment. gathered in Chile in 2003 to develop a coop- tifying partnerships for capacity building erative hemispheric mechanism to conserve and training. Capacity building was select- The Western Hemisphere shared migratory species. At that time an ed as the theme due to it being: Migratory Species Initiative Interim Steering Committee was established (WHMSI) to facilitate work towards this end. • a specific priority identified by the countries of the hemisphere The Western Hemisphere Migratory Spe- Based on the priorities identified in Chile, • an issue at the root of delivering effec- cies Initiative (WHMSI) is a mechanism to WHMSI seeks to: tive conservation facilitate cooperation among governmental • a concern which has received limited officials responsible for migratory wildlife in • Build country capacity to conserve attention despite its importance the Western Hemisphere while at the same and ma nage migratory wildlife; time engaging the broader non-govern- • Improve hemispheric communication on The 2006 conference served as part of mental community as equal partners in this conservation issues of common interest; the planning process to develop a hemi- conservation effort. The mission of WHMSI • Strengthen the exchange of informa- spheric strategy to address capacity is to significantly enhance the conservation tion needed for informed decision- building and training needs for migra- of shared migratory species throughout the making; and tory wildlife conservation in the region. Americas by strengthening political com- • Provide a forum in which emerging is- Participants representing 30 countries mitment, cooperation and public-private sues can be identified and addressed. in the hemisphere and 60 NGOs and
8 international conventions identified and conventions. ISC members include: U.S. • Society for the Conservation and prioritized their training needs. These (Chair), Colombia, Costa Rica, Saint Lu- Study of Caribbean Birds (SCSCB) needs have been integrated into a com- cia, Uruguay, Organization of American • Convention on the Conservation of Mi- prehensive capacity building implemen- States (OAS), Convention on Wetlands gratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) for the protection of migratorY species tation plan that will seek to train wildlife of International Importance (Ramsar • The Manatee Conservation Trust of decision-makers, government officials, Convention), Convention on Migratory Trinidad and Tobago and managers (including protected areas Species (CMS), Inter-American Conven- • MOUs with other organizations are un- managers) under the WHMSI framework. tion for the Protection and Conservation der development. of Sea Turtles, Protocol on Specially Support to Regional Projects Protected Areas and Wildlife of the Wid- Eco-Index WHMSI Pathway er Caribbean (SPAW Protocol), American In 2006, WHMSI provided support for Bird Conservancy, Birdlife International, The Eco-Index’s bilingual WHMSI Path- the regional project: “Building Capacity Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve way (www.whmsi-pathway.org) supports to Care for Sick and Injured Sea Turtles: Network, World Wildlife Fund. WHMSI’s goal of conserving migratory Standard Guidelines and Criteria for the species through international coopera- Wider Caribbean Region , implemented Memoranda of Understanding with tion and communication. The WHMSI by the Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Con- Partner Organizations Pathway aims to create a cohesive, in- servation Network (WIDECAST). This ternational community of governmental project addresses the call from more Following upon a plenary decision at the and non-governmental entities that work than 30 Caribbean States and territories Second WHMSI Conference in 2006 to together to conserve migratory species which unanimously agreed that a “Sea strengthen relations with partner organi- by providing a bilingual space where Turtle Trauma Response Corps be cre- zations, Memoranda of Understanding stakeholders can easily share valuable ated to strengthen and coordinate the (MOUs) have been signed with a number data, best practices, and publications efforts to respond to endangered sea of important organizations active in the across geographic and language barri- turtles in crisis, whether at sea or strand- field of wildlife conservation, including: ers. The WHMSI Pathway features nearly ed on the shoreline. The Field Manual 500 listings in its “Projects & Tools” sec- supported by WHMSI will feature a us- • U.S. Committee of the North American tion, which matches priority migratory er-friendly guide to “first responders”, Bird Conservation Initiative (U.S. NABCI) species conservation needs that WHMSI including guidance on triage and field • Secretariat of the Convention for the stakeholders have identified with the re- treatment of various traumas, includ- Protection and Development of the sources that are avail- ing hooking, entanglement, oiling, boat Marine Environment of the Wider Ca- able to address them. strikes, a nd p redator attacks. ribbean Region (Cartagena, Colombia) • Western Hemisphere Shorebird Re- WHMSI Interim Steering Committee serve Network (WHSRN) • Ramsar Regional Center for Train- WHMSI’s Interim Steering Committee ing and Research on Wetlands in the (ISC) is unique among international gov- Western Hemisphere (CREHO) erning bodies. It is comprised of rep- resentatives from governments, non- governmental organi- zations, and from interested interna- tional treaties and
9
© Bill Hubick Third WHMSI Conference Other
The Third Western Hemisphere Migra- International tory Species Conference was held in conventions Asuncion, Paraguay in July 2008, hosted by the Paraguayan Ministries of Environ- WHMSI is an overarching initiative which ment and Tourism, and Guyra Paraguay. helps the states deliver on various inter- The Conference brought together gov- national commitments pertinent to the ernment wildlife officials and represen- conservation of migratory species. It tatives from non-governmental organi- bridges between some of various inter- zations and conventions with interest in national instruments in the region to cre- international dialogue and cooperation ate synergies and efficient collaboration on migratory species. The objectives of between states, as well as between local the event were to: and regional non-governmental organi- zations. An illustrative, short selection of • Update activities since the 2006 Con- such intruments is shown below. ference in Costa Rica; • Take further steps towards establish- At the global level, there is a specific con- ment of a permanent forum for the vention for the conservation of migratory conservation of migratory wildlife; species, known as the CMS or Bonn Con- • Conduct thematic sessions of interest vention, under the auspices of the United to the region, including issues such as Nations Environment Program (UNEP). adaptation to climate change, marine Its purpose is to contribute to the conser- turtles conservation, and migratory vation of terrestrial, marine and avian mi- birds c onservation. gratory species throughout their ranges, and also considers measures for the con- The Conference was open to all entities servation and sustainable management interested in the conservation of migra- of their habitats. The CMS entered into tory species in the Western Hemisphere. force in 1983 and as of February 2008 it Proceedings from the WHMSI Confer- has 110 member nations, with 13 signa- ences are published on the WHMSI tories from the Western Hemisphere. website. The Convention for the Protection of the All countries in the Western Hemisphere Marine Environment and Coastal Area of will benefit from strengthened coopera- the South-East Pacific (Lima Convention) tion among nations and other stake- came into in force in 1986 and executes its holders in migratory species conser- mandate through the Permanent Commis- vation the animals in question range sion for the South-East Pacific (CPPS). In © WWF-Cannon / Mark EDWARDS © WWF-Cannon / Mark EDWARDS throughout the Americas. To this end, addition to protocols to combat marine pol- WHMSI provides an effective forum for lution and managed protected areas, it has The de gradation o f na tural dialogue and partnerships focused on developed specific regional action plans for environments, su ch as the conservation of our shared migra- marine turtles (2007) and marine mammals wetlands a nd f orests, harms not o nly mi gratory spe cies but tory species. (1991). Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and human co mmunities a s w ell. Panama are the signatory Parties. 10 CITES (the Convention on International international convention in 1950 and Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El SalSal-- Fauna and Flora) sees to it that interna- vador, Spain, the United States, France, tional trade in wildlife specimens, includ- Guatemala, Japan, Mexico, Nicaragua, ing many migratory species, does not Panama, Peru, Republic of Korea, Vanu- constitute a threat to their survival. CITES atu and Venezuela are members. Belize, entered into force in 1975 and has cur- Canada, the Cook Islands, the European rently 172 member states. Union and China serve as cooperating fishing entities. The IATTC (the Inter-American Tropi- cal Tuna Commission) is a specific The Inter-American Convention for the Pro- agreement for organizing and conserv- tection and Conservation of Sea Turtles ing fisheries for tuna and other species (CIT IAC) is specific to these marine rep- captured by tuna boats in the Eastern tiles. The U.S., Mexico, Guatemala, Be- Pacific Ocean. It was established as an lize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica,
Conservation and Sustainable Management of Natural Resources in the Wider Caribbean
In 1986, the Cartagena Convention created a framework so that the nations of the Wider Caribbean Region could achieve a balance between development and the protection of the marine environment. With this objective, the contracting Parties, individually or jointly, adopt measures to prevent and con- trol contamination and guarantee sound environmental management, includ- The Hudsonian Godwit ing the preparation of protocols and agreements that promote enforcement of (Limosa haemastica) migrates from the sub- the Convention. The convention has been ratified by 23 member states of the Arctic to the tip of South United Nations in the Wider Caribbean Region. America, more than 15,000 kilometers away Since 2000, the SPAW Protocol of that convention has been aiming to and back. Few stopover provide protection to wild animals and plants, including several migratory sites or migration routes species, such as marine mammals, shorebirds and sea turtles. It also estabestab-- are known. Conservation lishes exceptions for traditional subsistence and the cultural needs of local actions include populations and also for scientific, educational or management purposes. protecting nonbreeding The protocol protects fragile ecosystems and habitats in the Gulf of Mexico, sites in Chile and Argentina; defining the Caribbean Sea, and areas of the Atlantic Ocean adjacent to Florida. It
annual migration routes; © Blair NIKULA also includes inland freshwater areas. To date, 16 Caribbean nations have and abating threats signed on to the SPAW Protocol. The contracting Parties are: Barbados, on breeding grounds. Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, France, The Netherlands, Panama, Global climate change is St. Lucia, St. Vincent and The Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, the United of great concern to this States and V enezuela. species future.
11 Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Brasil and Uru- threatened by natural and anthropogenic designated as having international impor- guay are signatory states to the IAC. The causes. Although 300 protected areas have tance meriting protection, encompassing convention entered into force in 2001 and been established in the last 20 years, only a surface area of 161,177,358 hectares. has meanwhile issued resolutions towards around 30% of them have adequate man- There are 284 Ramsar sites or wetlands of to the protection and conservation of leath- agement and protection. international importance on the American erback and hawksbill turtles, as well as to continent, consisting of 48 million hectares address fisheries bycatch, among others. The protection of habitats of migratory corresponding to 41% of the total area of species is essential for their survival. The Ramsar sites in the world. One instrument for the sustainable man- Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is an agement of marine and coastal resources inter-governmental treaty adopted on 2 Conservation of the Wider Caribbean is the Protocol February 1971, which entered into force Concerning Specially Protected Areas and in 1975 and recognizes the value of wet- challenges and Wildlife (SPAW), which is part of the Con- lands, not only as habitat for waterbirds, solutions vention for the Protection and Development but also as ecosystems of great impor- of the Marine Environment of the Wider Ca- tance for the conservation of biodiversity Protecting migratory species is not easy ribbean Region (better known as the Carta- and the wellbeing of human communi- due to the many threats they confront gena Convention). According to the United ties, thanks to the environmental services and their extensive geographic ranges. Nations Development Program, more than and resources they offer. Its mission is the In addition to compliance with interna- 70% of the 80 million inhabitants of the conservation and wise use of wetlands tional agreements, local and regional Wider Caribbean Region live in coastal ar- through local, regional, national actions initiatives must be developed to achieve eas and a large part of their economy de- and international cooperation, as a con- their effective conservation. pends on coastal resources for tourism and tribution towards achieving sustainable the fishing industry. The natural resources development throughout the world. Cur- Habitat destruction by of the Caribbean are being reduced at an rently the convention has human activities such as alarming rate – 35% of the fish resources 158 member states. As a logging, deforestation, are overexploited and 22% of the region s result, more than 1,743 dredging, dumping coral reefs have been lost, while others are wetlands have been and the advance
Protecting mi gratory species also me ans pr otecting their habitats, w hich o ffer many benefits for human beings. © Hepworth Images
12 of the agricultural and urban frontier to- Multi-national Conservation of Birds in the Northern Andes ward the interior and the coasts, has put many migratory species at risk. Since A multi-national effort specifically aims to avoid degradation of migratory these animals do not recognize borders, bird habitat in the northern Andes region, home to more than 100 spe- joint initiatives among countries of the cies that travel through Central America every fall to spend eight hemisphere a re ne cessary. months in the mountains that extend from Venezuela to northern Peru. The initiative is an alliance of conservation organizations Protected areas along mi- from U.S., Ecuador, Colombia and Peru. Together, these organiza- gration routes are vital tions have developed a bird monitoring and conservation program to ensuring resting and and they manage around 70,000 acres in 20 natural re- feeding sites for different serves. They have more than 100 field personnel in the northern species. There are various Andes. They also hold regional festivals that involve the initiatives in the Western three countries, environmental education activities Hemisphere aimed to protect with the communities near the reserves, and training the habitat of migratory species in workshops aimed at people in the fields of agronomy, tour- a comprehensive way. In order to spe- ism and biology. cifically protect shorebirds and their habitats, for example, the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Net- work (WHSRN), launched in 1984 as a conservation strategy. During the last 20 years, more than 8 million hectares of shorebird habitat have been placed in a network of reserves. This has en- sured healthy populations in key sites on the Americas through their migration flyways along the continent. Biological link between a In 1990, the Partners in Flight initia- Canadian province and the tive (PIF) was created for the Western rest of the Hemisphere, Hemisphere, which aims to combine, as revealed by the wintering grounds of 54 coordinate and enhance resources migratory bird species and actions among public and pri- that spend the summer vate organizations in North and South in Saskatchewan (blue). America to achieve the conservation The strength of the link is of birds of the hemisphere through a indicated by the intensity collaboration network. The initiative Strong of the grid color. first focused on Neotropical migratory Weak birds, (those that reproduce in North America and spend the winter in Cen- tral and South America), but now their work has been extended to other bird species and many organizations have Map source: adapted from Partners in Flight become allies.
13 Climate change has become another these events in the sea, a Sea Turtle and grounds, which threat their survival. The threat to migratory species. It can affect Climate Change Program for Latin America program also advocates for a worldwide migration cycles due to increases in tem- and the Caribbean, promotes adaptation reduction in emissions that would diminish perature, rising sea levels, more frequent measures, tested in at least six sea turtle the consequences of global warming. and intense extreme weather events such conservation sites in the region as a part of as storms and droughts, and the propaga- the management plans and development With joint actions and shared resources tion of diseases, among others. While sev- policies. Sea turtles are some of the spe- and experience, we will be able to ensure eral habitats are being modified and dis- cies most vulnerable to climate change that migratory species, with their eco- placed, some high mountain ecosystems due to, among other reasons, alterations logical, social and economic benefits, may even be disappearing. To anticipate to their nesting beaches and feeding remain with us now and in the future.
Travel routes of leatherbacks, as revealed by satellite telemetry between 2005 and 2008 in the Atlantic ocean, demonstrate that conservation efforts for highly migratory, marine species need to cover the jurisdictional waters of various nations, in addition to measures agreed upon for international waters.
Reduction of Incidental Capture of Sea Turtles.
Scientific research is needed to determine the status of the species and develop effective strategies for their conservation. The Trans-Atlantic Leatherback Conservation Initiative (TALCIN) aims to fill information gaps about the migrations of these reptiles by placing satellite transmitters on turtles in Canada, the insular Caribbean, Costa Rica, Panama, Surinam, French Guyana, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina and Gabon. The objective is to identify the sites and times where leatherbacks and fisheries are interact- ing and to take measures to reduce their incidental capture. Studies in the Eastern Pacific have shown that the use of circular fishhooks instead of J-shaped ones significantly reduces the by-catch of turtles. The measure is already being implemented in several member nations of the Inter- American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) and contributing to reduce the mortality of this critically endangered speceis.
14 © WWF-Cannon / Sylvia EARLE Concept and text: Katiana Murillo, Soledad Prado, Marta Pesquero and Carlos Drews Design and layout: Jeffrey Muñoz English translation: Lucinda Taft Hard copies of this document, available in English, Spanish and French, may be requested from: Chief, Branch of Latin America & the Caribbean Division of International Conservation U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 4401 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 100A Arlington, VA 22203 U.S.A.
Digital versions may be downloaded from: http://www.fws.gov/international/ WHMSI/whmsi_documents.htm
Acknowledgements: Many governments, organizations and individuals are the driving force behind conservation efforts for migratory species in the Western Hemi- sphere. It is impossible to make explicit recognition of the work of each of them in this brief document. We would like nonetheless to thank some organizations who contributed directly to improving the contents of this booklet, either with project information, graphic material and/or with ed- its to the manuscript: American Bird Conservancy, Asociaci n Ecosiste- mas Andinos, Bat Conservation International, Caribbean Conservation Corporation, CI, CMS, Fundaci n Cethus, Fundaci n Jocotoco, Fundaci n ProAves, MANOMET, Mexico Nature Conservation Fund, PROMAR, Ramsar Cite this document as: Secretariat, SPAW Secretariat, TAMAR Brazil, TELMEX foundation, West- Murillo K., Prado S., Pesquero M. y ern Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network, Whale and Dolphin Conser- C. Drews 2008. Migratory Species: vation Society, USFWS and WWF. Biological, cultural and economic For any questions about WHMSI, please contact Herb Raffaele, Chair of assets of the Americas. WHMSI, WHMSI s Interim Steering Committee, at [email protected] USFWS and WWF, San Jos , www.whmsi.net Costa Rica. Published with the support of: ISBN: 978-9968-825-35-1