Siberian Federal University

The work was carried out under the auspices of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) within the framework of the UN environmental program. The results have been published in the authoritative scientific journal Science.

The Atlas will help conservationists identify current and future threats to migrations and develop conservation measures for wildlife to support the animals in the face of growing human influence. This is especially topical given the increasing attention of the international community to the protection of biodiversity. Migratory ungulates are an integral part of natural ecosystems and are the main prey for carnivores. Migration also contributes to the local and regional economy, including the development of tourism, as well as the support of the life and culture of the numerous indigenous and small-numbered communities of the world.

‘A Global Atlas of Migration is needed now because there has never been an inventory of these phenomenal seasonal movements around the world,’ said the first author of the article, USGS wildlife biologist Matthew Kauffman. ‘As wilderness landscapes become more accessible, maps can help conservationists pinpoint threats and work together to find solutions.’

According to Alexander Savchenko, the co-author and professor of Siberian Federal University, in the modern world, the migration routes of ungulates change dramatically or even disappear completely due to human interference in wildlife. Climate change, which affects the distribution of water, snow, ice and plant habitats, also affects seasonal movements. In some cases, migration routes were lost before they were documented, highlighting the magnitude of the conservation problem. Migratory animals depend on habitats. Depending on them, nutrition, reproduction and rest change. If these movements are limited, lost, then the survival of the entire population will be at stake. The Global Atlas of Migration will help decision-makers to prioritize and limit the economic impact in areas that serve as sites for critical migration routes.

‘The Atlas of Ungulate Migration is a very important initiative that will contribute to the further preservation of the planet's unique animals. The new global initiative, organized by CMS, will use the latest GPS tracking technologies, mapping software and platforms to exchange data between regions and states. The team will also try to make a map of already lost migrations and document local and historical knowledge about the movements of animals,’ said professor Savchenko.

A new UN global biodiversity strategy, known as the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, is expected to be approved this year.