The CMS contains two appendices:

Appendix I:

This appendix includes migratory species which are threatened with extinction throughout all or a significant proportion of their range. These species should be strictly protected and their habitats conserved or restored. Obstacles hindering the migration and factors that might endanger them should be mitigated.

Appendix II:

Contains all migratory species with unfavourable conservation status and which would benefit siginficantly from international cooperation organised by tailored agreements.