Countries unite to protect more than 30 endangered species

Many migratory animals are near-extinct so governments gathered at The U.N.-backed “Convention of Migratory Species” to discuss international cooperation to protect them.

The six-day convention in Manila, Philippines was attended by more than 1,000 delegates from 129 countries. They voted for additional protection for 12 breeds of mammals, 16 birds and six fish-- including chimpanzees, leopards, and giraffes.

The whale shark, the world’s largest fish, was added to the list, along with the Gobi bear- of which there are only 45 left in the wild in Mongolia and China.

The attendees also agreed to cooperate on reducing the negative impacts of marine debris, noise pollution, and climate change-- all of which affect migratory species.

These animals play a vital role in the world’s ecosystem. Borders don’t apply to them, so it’s the responsibility of every country to keep them safe.