Bonn Convention (Migratory Species) 1979
The treaty that protects animals which cross borders: Appendix I, Appendix II and range States
In one minute
The Bonn Convention is the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals. It was adopted at Bonn on 23 June 1979 and came into force on 1 November 1983.
It covers all migratory wild animals, not only birds. A species that crosses many countries is safe only if every country on its route protects it. The Convention brings those countries together.
Exam focus
- Frequency: Rarely asked
- Usually asked as: Short answer (4 to 6 marks)
Legal provision
- Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals: adopted at Bonn on 23 June 1979, in force from 1 November 1983.
- Appendix I: migratory species that are endangered. Range States must prohibit taking them, with narrow exceptions such as scientific purposes or traditional subsistence use.
- Appendix II: migratory species with an unfavourable conservation status, or that would benefit from international cooperation. Range States are encouraged to conclude agreements.
- Constitution of India, Article 253: Parliament may legislate to implement a treaty.
Meaning and definition
A migratory species is one that moves across national borders in its life cycle. A range State is a country in which the species lives or which it crosses.
The treaty is often wrongly called a convention on migratory birds. Its correct title speaks of migratory species of wild animals. It reaches whales, dolphins, sea turtles, bats and land mammals as well as birds.
Detailed explanation
Step 1: why one country cannot do it alone
A crane may breed in one country, winter in another and cross several more. If one country allows heavy hunting, the species can decline even when all the others protect it. The problem is a failure to cooperate across the whole route. Ordinary wildlife law of one State cannot fix it.
Step 2: Appendix I, the strict list
For endangered migratory species, range States must try to conserve and restore important habitats. They must try to remove obstacles to migration and control other dangers. They must also prohibit taking the species, subject to narrow exceptions.
Example. A migratory crane is listed in Appendix I. A range State that allows its hunting for sport breaks the Convention, since sport hunting is not among the narrow exceptions.
Step 3: Appendix II, the cooperation list
Appendix II species are not necessarily endangered. The Convention does not itself set strict duties for them. It encourages range States to make separate, more detailed agreements. Examples are the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds and the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels. For some species, softer memoranda of understanding are used.
The Convention is therefore a umbrella framework. Detailed rules sit in the agreements under it.
Step 4: India's position
India has been a Party since 1983. Like other treaties, the Convention reaches Indian law through Indian statutes, such as the wildlife and environment laws studied in other notes.
Don't confuse: Appendix I and Appendix II
| Point | Appendix I | Appendix II |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Endangered migratory species | Species with unfavourable status or needing cooperation |
| Main duty | Protect strictly; prohibit taking, with narrow exceptions | Cooperate; conclude agreements |
| Source of detail | The Convention itself | Separate agreements among range States |
Inside the concept. An endangered migratory turtle in Appendix I: every range State must ban taking it.
Just outside it. A migratory waterbird in Appendix II that is not endangered: range States are asked to cooperate and form an agreement, but the Convention imposes no ban of its own.
Common mistakes
- Calling it a convention on migratory birds only.
- Saying it is a 1992 instrument. It was adopted in 1979.
- Confusing the two Appendices. Appendix I is strict, Appendix II is cooperative.
- Thinking one range State can force another to act.
Leading case laws
No case page in this subject turns on the Bonn Convention. Questions on it are answered from the Convention's structure.
How to write this answer in the exam
5-mark answer
- Full title, date and entry into force.
- Meaning of migratory species and range State.
- Appendix I and Appendix II in one line each.
10-mark answer
- Why one State cannot protect a migratory species.
- Title correction: not only birds.
- Appendix I duties.
- Appendix II and the agreements.
- India as a Party; conclusion.
Key points to remember
- Adopted at Bonn, 23 June 1979; in force 1 November 1983.
- Covers all migratory wild animals, not only birds.
- Appendix I: strict protection. Appendix II: cooperation through agreements.
- India has been a Party since 1983.
Quick self-test
1. What is the full title of the Bonn Convention?
The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals.
2. Which Appendix lists endangered species?
Appendix I.
3. What is a range State?
A country in which a migratory species lives or which it crosses.