News: In October 2025, representatives from several Central Asian countries endorsed a six-year work programme under the Central Asian Mammals Initiative (CAMI) to strengthen transboundary conservation efforts for 17 iconic mammal species.
About Central Asian Mammals Initiative (CAMI)
- Launch: CAMI was launched in 2014 during the 11th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP11) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS).
- Aim: To provide a common regional framework for conserving migratory mammal species across Central Asia, addressing key threats such as poaching, habitat fragmentation, climate change, and barriers to migration.
- Species Covered: CAMI focuses on 17 key mammal species, including: Saiga Antelope, Bukhara Deer, Asiatic Cheetah, Snow Leopard, Persian Leopard, Argali Sheep, Asiatic Wild Ass, Gobi Bear, Goitered Gazelle, Kiang, Mongolian Gazelle. Pallas’s Cat, Przewalski’s Horse, Urial, Wild Camel, Wild Yak and Eurasian Lynx.
- Key Focus Areas:
- Strengthening transboundary cooperation among range states.
- Mitigating threats from illegal hunting and habitat degradation.
- Promoting coordinated research, monitoring, and habitat connectivity.
- Enhancing awareness and engagement of local communities and stakeholders.
- Significance: CAMI underscores the idea that wildlife conservation transcends borders, promoting a unified regional approach to protect Central Asia’s shared natural heritage and migratory mammals.
