Central Asian FlywayDigital Hub
A collaborative platform for the conservation of migratory birds across the Central Asian Flyway.
About CACN
The Central Asian Conservation Network (CACN) is a regional platform for NGOs, experts, and conservation practitioners dedicated to enhancing transboundary conservation across Central Asia and the Central Asian Flyway (CAF). Its goal is to create synergies and catalyze action on the ground to maximize conservation outcomes at the regional level. We facilitate information-sharing, capacity development, and transboundary programs with a focus on the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats.
Learn more about CACN
Protecting critical habitats across the flyway
Migratory birds depend on a limited number of ecologically critical sites to complete their annual life cycle. Degradation or loss of any one of these sites can have flyway-scale consequences. A connected network of key sites is essential to maintain ecological connectivity, support species recovery, and ensure long-term resilience of migratory bird populations in the CAF.
Explore the sitesCACN Working Groups
The Central Asian Conservation Network (CACN) Working Groups provide the technical, scientific, and collaborative backbone for conserving migratory birds along the Central Asian Flyway. Each Working Group brings together experts, practitioners, and institutions to address priority species, habitats, and cross-cutting conservation challenges, strengthening cooperation, knowledge exchange, and coordinated action across countries and sectors.
See all working groupsWG 1 — Key Sites in the CAF
Identification and monitoring of key sites for migratory birds across the Central Asian Flyway.
WG 2 — Crane Research & Conservation
Conservation and research of cranes, particularly Demoiselle Cranes, across the Central Asian Flyway.
WG 3 — Vulture Research & Conservation
Development of the Central Asian Vulture Platform and conservation of vulture species across the flyway.
WG 4 — Database & Publications
Creation of a regional database for sharing data on the CAF and accompanying publications.
WG 5 — Goose Research & Conservation
Collaboration and data sharing on goose research with Russian scientists, including the Eastern population of Taiga Bean Goose.
WG 6 — Pallas's Fish Eagle
Conservation of the Pallas's Fish Eagle across its range countries, addressing threats including electrocution.
WG 7 — Green Energy & Bird Conservation
Research on wind energy developments in Central Asia and development of policy recommendations for conserving biodiversity.
WG 8 — Small Landbirds
Monitoring of small migratory landbirds in Central Asia, including collaboration with Russian scientists.
WG 9 — Volunteering & Internship Programmes
Providing opportunities for volunteering and internships for all age groups across the CAF among CACN members.
WG 10 — Ringing & Tagging Network
Building a flyway-wide bird ringing and tagging network, linking to Russian ringing centres.
Conservation in action across the flyway
The project database displays completed and current projects undertaken by CACN members and partners focusing on conservation of migratory birds and their habitats in the Central Asian Flyway.
Landbird Migration Pattern in East-Central Asia
A research initiative using individual-tracking methods (mainly multi-sensor geolocators) to document the migration patterns of landbirds across East-Central Asia, covering sites in Russia, Mongolia, and China.
Amur Bird Project
The Amur Bird Project was a volunteer-based ornithological research and conservation initiative centred at Muraviovka Park in the Amur oblast of the Russian Far East, running from 2012 to 2021.
Bar-Headed Geese Satellite Tagging in Narayani River, Chitwan National Park, 2005
This 2005 tracking project tagged two Bar-headed Geese (Anser indicus) in Nepal’s Chitwan National Park (Narayani River) to document migration routes between wintering and breeding areas.
Birds of the Central Asian Flyway
A selection of the many migratory bird species that depend on the flyway for their survival.
Siberian Crane
Leucogeranus leucogeranus
Gruidae
One of the most endangered crane species in the world. The western/central population that once wintered in India and Iran is functionally extinct; the eastern population survives in China after migrating from Arctic Russia.
Bar-headed Goose
Anser indicus
Anatidae
Famous for flying over the Himalayas at extreme altitudes, the Bar-headed Goose breeds on high-altitude lakes in Central Asia and winters in the lowlands of the Indian subcontinent.
Demoiselle Crane
Grus virgo
Gruidae
The smallest crane species, migrating in spectacular flocks over the Himalayas between Central Asian breeding grounds and Indian wintering areas.
Literature, webinars & educational materials
Relevant CAF-related literature, webinars, and educational materials for researchers, practitioners, and the public.
Witnessed a bird collision? Help us map the threats.
Power lines, wind turbines, and other energy infrastructure kill thousands of migratory birds every year. Your report will help guide the development of effective mitigation measures.
Partners & Members
The Central Asian Conservation Network brings together organisations across the flyway region.
Partners
Members
