14th ARRCN Symposium

THE 14TH ASIAN RAPTOR RESEARCH & CONSERVATION NETWORK (ARRCN) SYMPOSIUM

Symposium Theme: Connecting Flyways, People, and Nature: Advancing Raptor Conservation Across Asia

Co-Organizers: Himalayan Raptors & the Asian Raptor Research and Conservation Network (ARRCN)

Conference Dates: 21–24 November 2027

Host City: Pokhara, Nepal
 

1. Background

Raptors—including eagles, hawks, falcons, vultures, and owls—occupy the highest trophic levels of terrestrial ecosystems and play important ecological roles as apex predators and obligate scavengers. As highly sensitive indicators of environmental change, their populations reflect the health and integrity of ecosystems, making them valuable sentinels of biodiversity and environmental sustainability.

Rapid habitat degradation, climate change, intentional and secondary poisoning, infrastructure development, and other human-induced pressures continue to threaten raptor populations across Asia. Conserving raptors, therefore, extends beyond protecting individual species; it safeguards ecological processes, preserves biodiversity, and directly helps maintain healthy landscapes that support human well-being.

2. About the Asian Raptor Research and Conservation Network (ARRCN)

The Asian Raptor Research and Conservation Network (ARRCN) was established following the inaugural Asian Raptor Symposium held in Shiga Prefecture, Japan, in 1998. Since its inception, the network has served as a collaborative platform for promoting research, conservation, education, and regional cooperation for raptors throughout Asia.

Today, ARRCN connects hundreds of researchers, conservation practitioners, students, and institutions across more than 33 countries. Through collaborative science and knowledge exchange, the network works to standardise research methodologies, strengthen monitoring efforts, document species status, and develop coordinated conservation strategies for Asia's raptors.

3. Symposium Objectives

The 14th ARRCN Symposium in Pokhara will provide an international platform for advancing scientific knowledge and strengthening regional collaboration. The symposium aims to:

  • Facilitate Knowledge Exchange: Share recent findings, methodologies and experiences in raptor research such as ecology, migration, movement, monitoring, techniques, conservation science, and habitat management.

  • Strengthen Research Networks: Connect researchers, conservation practitioners, students, government and other stakeholders to exchange expertise, identify common research priorities, and develop new professional collaborations.

  • Encourage Collaborative Research and Conservation: Identify opportunities for joint research, coordinated monitoring, and collaborative conservation initiatives, particularly for threatened and migratory raptors that range across national boundaries.

  • Build Capacity for the Next Generation: Encourage and provide opportunities for students and early-career researchers to learn from experienced scientists, develop research and field skills, and establish professional networks that support their future work in raptor research and conservation.

  • Translate Science into Conservation Action: Promote the sharing of evidence, practical experiences, and lessons learned that can inform raptor conservation policies, management practices, and community-based conservation across the region.

4. Symposium Schedule

The four-day event combines scientific presentations, networking opportunities, technical workshops, and field-based learning in the diverse landscapes surrounding Pokhara.

21 Nov 2027                    Arrival of participants, registration.

22–23 Nov 2027             Scientific symposium featuring keynote lectures, plenary sessions, country reports, oral presentations, and poster exhibitions.

24 Nov 2027                   Field excursions focusing on raptor migration corridors, congregation sites, and local conservation initiatives; and farewell dinner.

25 -28 Nov 2027             Optional self-funded post-symposium field trips to (a) Chitwan National Park, Nepal, and (b) Thoolakharka Raptor Migration Site.

25 -30 Nov 2027             Optional self-funded post-symposium field trips to Thoolakharka Raptor Migration Site plus Chitwan National Park, Nepal.

5. Consolidated Paper Themes

We invite submissions of original research, country reports, and case studies aligned with—but not limited to—the following five broad symposium themes:

Theme 1: Connecting Flyways: Movement Ecology and Transboundary Connectivity

  • Scope & Key Topics: Migration ecology, flyway monitoring, satellite telemetry, geolocators, movement ecology, tracking innovations, and cross-border collaborative frameworks.

Theme 2: Shifting Landscapes, Climate Dynamics, and Ecosystem Resilience

  • Scope & Key Topics: Raptor dynamics across forests, grasslands, wetlands, mountains, and urban/agricultural environments; the impacts of climate change on geographic distribution, phenology, prey availability, and habitat suitability; and localised adaptation strategies for ecosystem resilience.

Theme 3: Raptors and People: Community Conservation, Policy, and Governance

  • Scope & Key Topics: Community-based conservation initiatives, indigenous ecological knowledge, citizen science, environmental education, conservation policy, transboundary legislation, and multi-stakeholder engagement.

Theme 4: Population Dynamics, Behaviour, and Trophic Interactions

  • Scope & Key Topics: Population trends, demographic studies, breeding biology, occupancy modelling, and monitoring methodologies; foraging ecology, prey-predator dynamics, nesting behaviour, interspecific competition, and raptor-driven ecosystem functions.

Theme 5: Environmental Health, Genetics, and Anthropogenic Threats (One Health)

  • Scope & Key Topics: Conservation genetics and genomics; veterinary science, pathogens, and wildlife disease tracking; toxicology, direct and secondary poisoning, and environmental contaminants; raptor rehabilitation frameworks, infrastructure hazards (e.g., powerlines, wind turbines), and integrated One Health approaches.

6. Key Programmes Components

Researchers, students, conservation practitioners, and institutional representatives are invited to contribute through the following programme components:

  • National Country Reports: Official delegates from participating countries will deliver concise presentations summarising national raptor conservation status, recent achievements, policy developments, research priorities, and emerging threats.
  • Oral and Poster Presentations: Peer-reviewed presentations will showcase original research covering topics such as raptor ecology, migration, population dynamics, toxicology, habitat conservation, rehabilitation, genetics, climate change, and community-based conservation. Poster sessions will run throughout the symposium to encourage discussion and networking.
  • Technical Workshops: Hands-on workshops will address practical aspects of raptor conservation, including satellite telemetry, migration monitoring, data management, rehabilitation techniques, anti-poisoning strategies, species identification, and emerging conservation technologies. Workshop proposals from participants are welcome.
  • ARRCN Conservation Bazaar: An interactive exhibition space will enable NGOs, research institutions, conservation organisations, and community groups to showcase projects, educational materials, field equipment, publications, traditional crafts, and conservation initiatives while fostering partnerships and public engagement.

7. Abstract Submission and Registration

Detailed guidelines for abstract submission, presentation formats, registration procedures, important deadlines, accommodation, and logistical information will be announced in the forthcoming First Circular.

Researchers and conservation professionals from across Asia and beyond are encouraged to participate in this landmark gathering to strengthen scientific collaboration and advance collective action for the conservation of raptors and their habitats.