What Happened
- Tajikistan and Uzbekistan have jointly proposed listing the striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) in both Appendix I and Appendix II of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), ahead of CMS COP15.
- CMS COP15 — the 15th Conference of the Parties — is scheduled for March 23-29, 2026, in Campo Grande, Brazil, with 42 species proposed for new or upgraded protections.
- The striped hyena is classified as Near Threatened globally by the IUCN Red List, with a total estimated population of 5,000-9,999 mature individuals and a declining trend.
- The proposal seeks dual listing — Appendix I (endangered, strict protection) and Appendix II (international cooperation warranted) — to activate the highest available conservation measures under CMS.
- Threats to the species include habitat fragmentation, prey decline, human-wildlife conflict, and illegal hunting.
Static Topic Bridges
Convention on Migratory Species (CMS): Overview and Appendices
The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), also known as the Bonn Convention, is a UN environmental treaty established in 1979 under the UNEP framework. It provides a global platform for the conservation and sustainable use of migratory animals and their habitats. CMS is headquartered in Bonn, Germany. It operates through two appendices with distinct legal obligations: Appendix I covers species threatened with extinction — parties must strictly protect them, prohibit taking, conserve habitats, and remove migration barriers. Appendix II covers species with unfavourable conservation status that need international cooperation — Range States are encouraged to conclude Agreements for coordinated management. India is a Party to CMS since 1983.
- CMS established: 1979 (Bonn Convention, under UNEP)
- Headquarters: Bonn, Germany
- COP frequency: Every 3 years
- CMS COP15: March 23-29, 2026, Campo Grande, Brazil
- Appendix I: Threatened with extinction — strict protection, prohibition on "taking"
- Appendix II: International cooperation needed — Agreements among Range States encouraged
- India: Party to CMS since 1983; hosts range of CMS-listed species
Connection to this news: Dual listing (both Appendix I and II) would activate the highest level of CMS protection for the striped hyena — requiring all Range State Parties to enact strict national prohibitions and develop coordinated cross-border conservation plans.
Striped Hyena: Species Profile and India Connection
The striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) is the only hyena species found in India, primarily in the drier parts of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and the Deccan plateau. It is a nocturnal, largely solitary scavenger and opportunistic predator. Unlike the spotted hyena of Africa, it is shy and rarely seen. In India, it is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, affording it the highest domestic legal protection. It faces threats from road kills, poisoning (as retaliation for livestock predation), and habitat loss.
- Scientific name: Hyaena hyaena; Family: Hyaenidae
- IUCN Red List status: Near Threatened (global); Vulnerable (Mediterranean subpopulation)
- Global population: 5,000-9,999 mature individuals (declining)
- Range: North/Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East, Central Asia, South Asia (including India)
- India's schedule: Schedule I, Wildlife Protection Act 1972
- India distribution: Gujarat, Rajasthan, MP, parts of Deccan
Connection to this news: As a Range State for the striped hyena, India would be bound by any CMS Appendix I or II listing to strengthen protections and potentially participate in a coordinated Range State Agreement — making the COP15 proposal directly relevant to India's wildlife governance.
India's Commitments Under International Biodiversity Conventions
India is party to several key international biodiversity and wildlife conventions. Under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), India adopted its National Biodiversity Action Plan and hosts the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA). Under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, 1963), India enforces trade restrictions on Appendix I and II species. The CMS supplements these by focusing specifically on migratory range management. India's Project Tiger, Project Elephant, and Project Snow Leopard align with these international commitments. India hosted COP13 of CBD in Nagoya (2010 Protocol framework) and recently adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework targets at COP15 of CBD in 2022.
- CBD: Convention on Biological Diversity (1992, Rio); India a signatory
- CITES: Regulates international wildlife trade; India enforces via WPA 1972
- Kunming-Montreal GBF (2022): "30x30" target — 30% land/sea protected by 2030
- CMS India obligations: Protect Appendix I species; facilitate Appendix II Agreements
- India's listed migratory species: Snow Leopard, Amur Falcon, Great Indian Bustard (CMS-listed)
Connection to this news: The CMS COP15 hyena proposal is part of a broader global push to extend migratory species protections — India must assess domestic regulatory alignment if the listing is adopted.
Key Facts & Data
- CMS established: 1979 (Bonn Convention); India party since 1983
- CMS COP15: March 23-29, 2026, Campo Grande, Brazil
- 42 species proposed for new/upgraded protection at COP15
- Striped hyena: IUCN Near Threatened; global population 5,000-9,999 mature individuals
- Proposal by: Tajikistan and Uzbekistan (Central Asian Range States)
- Dual listing sought: Appendix I (endangered/strict protection) + Appendix II (international cooperation)
- India status: CMS party since 1983; striped hyena listed on Schedule I of WPA 1972
- Threats: habitat loss, prey decline, human-wildlife conflict, illegal hunting