Striped Hyena Proposed for CMS Protection at COP15: Significance for Global Conservation

Tajikistan and Uzbekistan proposed listing the Striped Hyena under Appendices I and II of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals at CMS COP15.

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About Striped Hyena

• The Striped Hyena (Hyaena hyaena) is a medium-sized nocturnal carnivore and an important scavenger that helps maintain ecosystem sanitation by feeding on carrion.
• Habitat: It inhabits arid and semi-arid landscapes, including savannas, grasslands, semi-deserts, open woodlands and rocky mountainous areas.
• Global Distribution: The species is found across North and Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, the Caucasus, Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent, often moving long distances in search of food.
• Distribution in India: India is a major stronghold for the species, with populations reported from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu (Mudumalai region).
• Key Features
  • Nocturnal and elusive: Mostly active at night and difficult to observe in the wild.
  • Powerful scavenger: Possesses strong jaws capable of crushing bones to access marrow.
    • They are considered critical keystone cleaners and scavengers, as they prevent disease outbreaks by removing roughly 23 tons of livestock carcass waste annually.
  • Solitary behaviour: Usually lives alone or in small family groups unlike social spotted hyenas.
• Conservation Status
  • IUCN Red List: Near Threatened.
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 : Schedule I 
  • CMS Proposal: Suggested for inclusion in Appendix I and II for stronger international protection.

About Convention on Migratory Species (CMS)

• The CMS, also called the Bonn Convention, is an intergovernmental treaty under the United Nations Environment Programme for conserving migratory animals and their habitats.
• Origin: The convention was adopted in 1979 and entered into force in 1983, currently having over 130 member countries.
• Objective: It aims to promote international cooperation for the conservation, management and sustainable use of migratory species across national boundaries.
• CMS Appendices
  • Appendix I: Endangered migratory species requiring strict protection.
  • Appendix II: Species with unfavourable conservation status needing international cooperation.
• CMS COP: The Conference of Parties (COP) is the decision-making body that reviews conservation status, amends species listings and strengthens international cooperation.
  • The 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to CMS will be held from March 23–29, 2026, in Campo Grande, Brazil.
    • Theme:  “Connecting Nature to Sustain Life”
    • Focus: Strengthening international protections for migratory species and their habitats, addressing threats like habitat loss and climate change
• India and CMS
  • India became a member in 1983.
  • It has signed MoUs for Siberian Cranes, Marine Turtles, Dugongs and Raptors.
  • India hosted CMS COP13 in 2020 at Gandhinagar.

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