Eurasian Bustard Alliance (EBA) is a collaborative group that brings together scientists and conservation actors to advance the conservation of bustard species in north Eurasia, broadly defined from the Caspian Sea to Korea. We investigate the ecology of bustards, develop conservation policy, and promote the sustainable use of the steppe landscapes upon which bustards depend. We launched our first programs in Kazakhstan and Mongolia in 2006 focused on the Great Bustard.
We design our projects around the following principles:
- Use research methods which minimize stress and disturbance to wildlife and the environment
- Translate research findings into effective conservation action by developing solutions relevant to the local context
- Work within a community context, integrating community members into research and conservation activities
- Use multiple modalities to raise awareness of threats facing bustards and grasslands
- Learn from local people and share our findings with the community
- Build local conservation capacity and support young researchers
We are interested in broadening the scope of our work. For inquiries about collaboration, email 
Project Director, Dr. Mimi Kessler
Mongolian Wildlife Science and Conservation Center (WSCC)
Founded in 2004, the Wildlife Science and Conservation Center of Mongolia (WSCC) is the country’s leading non-profit ornithological research organization. WSCC aims to contribute to the conservation and understanding of Mongolia’s wildlife and natural environment thorough science-based conservation activities and public education. WSCC is involved in the conservation of Great Bustards and Asian Houbara and an EBA partner since 2006.
North Mongolian Long-term Field Team
Our long-term field research team in northern Mongolia is composed of local residents and master’s students, who are logistically, financially, and academically supported by Eurasian Bustard Alliance. Key team members include:
Association for Conservation of Biodiversity in Kazakhstan (ACBK)
Association for the Conservation of the Biodiversity of Kazakhstan (ACBK) is one of the largest NGOs in Kazakhstan, and a full partner of BirdLife International. Since 2004, ACBK has been researching and conserving wildlife on a scientific basis, established strong relationships with national and international organizations and has been supporting various initiatives in Kazakhstan. ACBK has accomplished considerable work in the environmental education field, especially in regions inhabited by research species can be found. ACBK implements advanced environmental technologies in Kazakhstan including satellite tagging of ungulates and migratory birds, using the SMART system to monitor wildlife and habitat. Eurasian Bustard Alliance and ACBK collaborate since 2006.
Collaborators in Turkmenistan
Uzbekistan Society for the Protection of Birds
Eurasian Bustard Alliance and the Uzbekistan Society for the Protection of Birds are training a young scientist and conducting research at important bustard overwintering spots in northeastern Uzbekistan.
“Wild Nature” NGO, Southern Kazakhstan
“Wild Nature” is an independent, non-commercial organization established in 1995. “Wild Nature” pursues a mission of wildlife research and conservation in southern Kazakhstan in partnership with Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve. The objectives of the group include: research and conservation of endangered plants and animals; development of community-based tourism in rural Turkestan Province; development of innovative methods for ecological education; involvement of local people in environmental decision-making; support of traditional attitudes of respect for the environment and revival of traditional craft production. “Wild Nature” works with bustard species, waterfowl, wild cats, marmots, ungulates, wild tulips and other endangered flora of the Tien Shan and Kyzylkum.
Genetic Research
Dr. Chris Smith’s Laboratory at Willamette University uses molecular biology and population genetic tools to investigate issues of co-evolution, speciation and adaptive radiation. The laboratory partners with EBA on bustard population genetic research.
Northern Rockies Conservation Cooperative (NRCC)
Dr. Mimi Kessler is a Research Associate with NRCC, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Jackson, Wyoming.
