The world population of Lesser white-fronted geese (Anser erythropus) has declined dramatically during the last century. The species is at present regarded as globally threatened. It is currently included in both Appendix I and II of CMS, and has been designated for Concerted Actions under the Convention by the 5th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties. The main causes for the population decline have been identified in the heavy hunting pressure and loss of feeding habitats along the migration route and at the wintering grounds.

The major wintering areas of the geese are close to the Caspian and Black Seas, and at least formerly most of the birds were found in Azerbaijan in mid-winter. However, the ultimate wintering sites of most Lesser white-fronted geese migrating along the Western Palaearctic flyway have still not been identified. The migration route is relatively well known as far south as to Kazakhstan, but it is the route further south of Kazakhstan that is virtually unknown. Localizing staging and wintering areas along this flyway is a crucial element in the design of a comprehensive conservation strategy for the species.

The specific objective of this project is to discover the unknown parts of the migration route through Kazakhstan. To achieve this aim, the project provides for the capture of geese in the main known staging area in Kazakhstan (Lake Kulykol), and for equipping them with satellite transmitters to track their further southward migration. The project is part of a wider initiative aimed at the conservation of the species in the wild by significantly reducing hunting pressure and establishing a network of protected areas to conserve the most critical habitats.

The project is co-ordinated by the Norwegian Ornithological Society (NOF-BirdLife-Norway), and is implemented with the participation of WWF-Finland and the Kazakh NGO Naurzum as well the support of regional and local management authorities in Northern Kazakhstan.