Asian Raptor Research & Conservation Network (ARRCN)

Asian Raptor Research & Conservation Network (ARRCN)

Partnership with Northwestern University – Advancing Raptor Migration Science in Northern Luzon

The Asian Raptor Research and Conservation Network (ARRCN) is a premier international organization dedicated to the study and conservation of birds of prey across Asia. It plays a critical role in enhancing scientific understanding, promoting regional cooperation, and guiding conservation strategies for migratory and resident raptor species.

In 2016, ARRCN forged a meaningful partnership with Northwestern University in Laoag City, Philippines, to advance raptor migration studies within the country. This collaboration focuses on Northern Luzon, a strategic observation point along the East Asian Migratory Flyway, one of the world’s most important bird migration routes.

As part of this initiative, Northwestern University has conducted annual monitoring and migration counts since 2015, contributing valuable long-term data on the seasonal movement of various raptor species. The university’s field teams—composed of trained students, faculty researchers, and volunteers—document the timing, volume, and species composition of raptors passing through identified flyways in Ilocos Norte, including the highlands and coastal ridgelines.

This partnership not only strengthens the scientific community’s understanding of migratory patterns but also raises awareness about the importance of habitat protection and conservation action in critical stopover sites. The sustained efforts of Northwestern University and ARRCN ensure that these magnificent birds continue to soar across Asia’s skies, guided by informed research and international collaboration.