The 2nd Asian Ornithological Congress (AOC II) took place in Beijing, China, organized by the Institute of Zoology (IOZ) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Co-organizers included the International Ornithologists’ Union, the International Society of Zoological Research, the China Ornithological Society, several universities, and the journal Avian Research.
The congress brought together scientists from across Asia and other regions to discuss critical topics such as bird habitat conservation, biodiversity, genomic studies, birds’ responses to global changes, migration studies, and the use of modern monitoring technologies.
Zoological Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences 
National Conference Center of China
AOC 2024 was held at the National Conference Center of China, a venue known for hosting national and government-level events.
The congress symbol was a circle resembling the letter “O” in “ornithology,” featuring 48 birds. These birds were selected from various habitats, representing Asia’s endemic species or symbolizing regions and species groups. The circle highlighted the AOC 2024’s mission to enhance academic exchange in ornithology and foster communication and friendship between bird enthusiasts and ornithologists across Asia. The number 48 also signifies the 48 countries in Asia.
The delegation from the Institute of Zoology of the Republic of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Science and Higher Education (IOZ MSH RK) consisted of five participants:
- Roman Vasilievich Yashchenko, General Director of the Institute;
- Andrey Eduardovich Gavrilov, Head of the Laboratory of Ornithology and Herpetology;
- Bekzhan Berdikulov and Ekaterina Akentyeva, Junior Researchers;
- Viktoria Ilyina, Legal Expert.
Staff of the Institute of Zoology (left to right): Gavrilov A.E., Yashchenko R.V., Ilyina V., Akentyeva E., and Berdikulov B. 
Presentation by the General Director of the Institute of Zoology, Yashchenko R.V., at the AOC 2024 plenary session
The Institute’s scientists presented four talks on various topics:
- Roman Yashchenko delivered a plenary presentation on the history of ornithological studies in Kazakhstan, starting from the mid-18th century, and the development of the Kazakh ornithological school. He highlighted its establishment in the 1930s, the founding of the Institute of Zoology in 1932, and its subsequent growth into four generations of Kazakh ornithologists. His talk also covered key achievements and contemporary challenges in Kazakhstan’s ornithological research.
- Bekzhan Berdikulov presented findings on bird migrations using modern telemetry methods in Southeast Kazakhstan.
- Andrey Gavrilov and Ekaterina Akentyeva shared the results of long-term bird banding studies in Kazakhstan.
- Viktoria Ilyina provided a comparative analysis of legal regulations aimed at protecting rare bird species in Central Asia (using Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan as examples).
Participation in AOC II strengthened Kazakhstan’s ornithological presence on the international stage, offering opportunities for experience exchange, scientific networking, and promoting advanced approaches to studying and conserving birds.
Photo: Yashchenko R.V., Berdikulova B.T., and Gavrilov A.E.