environment
March 29, 2026
The UN declares 40 new protected species, including the cheetah and hammerhead shark
UN Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) member states approved this Sunday to add 40 new animals to the list of protected species, at the closing of COP15, which was held this week in Campo Grande (Brazil). EFE Among the new species under international protection, endorsed by the plenary of the [...]
TL;DR
- 40 new animal species were added to the UN's protected species list at COP15.
- New additions include the cheetah, striped hyena, giant otter, hammerhead shark, and 24 types of petrels.
- These species will be included in Appendices I and/or II of the CMS.
- Appendix I protects critically endangered species with strict capture bans.
- Appendix II includes species needing international cooperation and management for survival.
- Threatened species on the CMS list rose to 24%, with 49% showing declining populations.
- COP15 was held in Campo Grande, Brazil, with over 2,000 representatives attending.
- The conference was opened by the presidents of Brazil and Paraguay, emphasizing international cooperation and science for environmental conservation.