Welcome to the official website of the International Conference on Palearctic Steppe Birds: ecology and conservation challenges (ICPSB). The Conference will be held in Ciudad Real (Spain), from 25 to 29 March 2025, commemorating two decades since the International Symposium on Ecology and Conservation of Steppe-land birds (Lleida (Spain), 2004).

Palearctic steppes are among the most extensive terrestrial ecosystems worldwide, but they are also one of the habitats most threatened due to human activities. The intensification of traditional land uses, along with the development of new ones such as renewable energy, have jeopardised these environments and the bird community that inhabit them. Identifying the ecological requirements of species and the factors limiting their population size, as well as understanding current and future conservation challenges, such as global warming, is crucial for their conservation.

ICPSB aims to bring together researchers, students, practitioners and managers to share and exchange their experiences and latest research results on the ecology and conservation challenges of Palearctic steppe birds, and to promote and strengthen international scientific cooperation in synergy with other professional associations.

The conference is organised by the Research Group on Steppe Birds of the Iberian Peninsula (GIAE) and the University of Castilla-La Mancha, with the collaboration of the Steppe Forward Chair. The programme will include keynote speakers, oral presentations, posters, workshops and field trips.

Finally, the intention of this conference (which has already been held three times in Spain) is for this forum to meet periodically, with the possibility of other countries hosting it in the future. We encourage all those interested to register and contribute to this event, which will be an important reference for researchers, managers and conservationists.

See you in Ciudad Real next March!