Polar bears, whales, sharks, rays and gazelles were among 31 new species granted new protection status by a UN conservation body, following six days of intense talks by leading conservationists in Quito, Ecuador.

The UN Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) said on Sunday that six days of "intense negotiations" led to new protection for scores of bird, fish and mammal migratory species.

Protectection: Polar bears Credit:AP

A record 21 species of shark, ray and sawfish were added to the list.

CMS agreed to grant strict protection to the reef manta ray, nine species of devil rays and five sawfish species.