UN Protects 40 New Species Including Cheetahs and Snowy Owls

The United Nations made a big step forward for wildlife protection. On March 29, representatives from 132 countries agreed to protect 40 new animal species under international law. This happened at the COP15 summit in Campo Verde, Brazil.

The new protections cover animals that many people recognize. Cheetahs, snowy owls, giant otters, and great hammerhead sharks are now on the protected list. Other animals include flesh-footed shearwater birds and three types of thresher sharks. Zimbabwe's cheetah population got special attention because only 150 to 170 of these animals are left alive.

These animals need protection because they travel across country borders during their lives. When animals migrate, they face different laws and threats in each country they visit. Amy Fraenkel from the UN said half of all protected species are getting smaller in number. She noted that countries must start helping these animals right away.

The protection system has two levels. Level one covers animals that might go extinct. Countries must ban killing, capturing, or disturbing these animals. They also must protect the places where animals live and make sure migration paths stay open. Level two covers animals that need countries to work together through shared research and action plans.

Our global community now has stronger tools to protect animals that connect different parts of the world. The 132 countries that signed this agreement show that wildlife protection works best when nations cooperate across borders.