The Crane Working Group (CWG) of the USSR was created in 1980. The main prerequisite for the CWG creation was the emergence of a special interest in cranes as a poorly studied group of birds that is under real threat of extinction. The group’s activities stimulated research on cranes and measures for their conservation, increased the interest of professional bird watchers and nature lovers to these birds. Due to the collapse USSR and other factors, in 1990 the Crane Working Group of the USSR ceased to be active. On 28 October 2000 in Moscow the Crane Working Group of Eurasia activity was announced with the main goal to protect and research on different crane species. The general task is compilation and distribution of information about current status of crane populations and conservation measures both in Russia and worldwide.