A new study published in the journal Science revealed that most migrating birds are poorly protected on their migration routes around the planet. It suggested that migratory birds are at risk when they stop for rest, feed and breed during their marathon journeys.

The study looked at migration paths of 1,451 migratory birds and kind of protections given to them in different regions around the globe. Study researchers found that more than 90% of the migratory birds didn’t find protected areas during their migration voyage.

The researchers said the new findings are surprising. Countries around the world need to do more to protect these migratory birds, they said. The researchers are also calling for new reserves in every nation to protect the migrating bird species.

According to experts, populations of many migratory birds have dropped in past few years, from threats like hunting and loss of habitat. Lead author of the study Dr Claire Runge from the University of Queensland said more than 50% migrating birds had suffered drop in population in last three decades.

“This is due mainly to unequal and ineffective protection across their migratory range and the places they stop to refuel along their routes. A typical migratory bird relies on many different geographic locations throughout its annual cycle for food, rest and breeding”, she explained.

Runge said that protection of the migratory bird grounds isn’t enough to protect the bird species. All countries have to work together to protect the migratory birds for future, she said.