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 groups
WG1 - Flyway Sites Network
The Flyway Sites Network Working Group focuses on developing a coordinated network of priority sites for migratory birds across the Central Asian Flyway.
WG 2 — Regional CAF Database
Development of the Regional CAF Database, a multilingual, open-access digital platform designed to centralize data, knowledge, and resources related to migratory birds and their habitats across the Central Asian Flyway.
WG 3 — Energy Infrastructures Working Group
Addresses the growing impacts of renewable energy infrastructure - particularly wind power and transmission lines - on migratory birds along the Central Asian Flyway.
WG 4 — Ringing & Tagging
Coordinating bird marking, telemetry, and data-sharing efforts across the Central Asian Flyway.
WG 5 — Internship & Volunteering Programmes
Supporting capacity development of young conservationists and enthusiasts by providing hands-on experience with conservation organisations across the Central Asian Flyway.
WG 6 — Cranes
Conservation action for crane species across the Central Asian Flyway.
WG 7 — Geese
Research and conservation action for migratory goose species using the Central Asian Flyway, with a focus on population monitoring, migration ecology, long-term conservation and sustainable management.
WG 8 — Small Landbirds
Addressing a major conservation gap in the Central Asian Flyway, where migratory landbirds remain poorly studied and under-represented in policy and conservation action.
WG 9 — Waders (Shorebirds)
Improving monitoring and conservation of migratory shorebirds along the Central Asian Flyway - one of the least studied flyways globally for shorebird migration.
WG 10 — Vultures
Coordinating conservation efforts for Old World vultures across the Central Asian Flyway.
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
