Ospreys in the Middle East

16/04/2007 00:00:00 September 2007. An extensive study Ospreys in Abu Dhabi has found a total of around 61 breeding sites on islands and along the Emirate’s coast. This is the first such comprehensive survey on the breeding status of the Osprey. The survey was carried out by The Environment Agency–Abu Dhabi (EAD). Survey Results
The survey demonstrated that, compared to 1994 estimates, Abu Dhabi Osprey numbers are relatively stable. However there are large differences between regions, as some have lost more than 50% of the Osprey nests over a decade.

EAD experts indicate that this loss may be as a result of disturbance from development and continuous human presence, particularly during the nesting season. Moreover, experts highlight that these threats may have forced the Ospreys to abandon nesting at such sites. EAD recorded 138 adult birds from the surveyed sites. Approximately 70 breeding Ospreys were estimated to be present, mainly on the Emirate’s islands. The study also found that 26% of the nests were on artificial nesting platforms, set up by island inhabitants.

A Call for Protection
‘We call for cooperation in the protection of the Emirate’s islands from any form of disturbance, particularly west of Abu Dhabi, as most of the breeding ospreys were recorded on islands. Sites such as Muhayyamat island complex, Gerain Al Aish, Al Bazm, Umm Amim, Butinah, Faziya and Umm Hatab are particularly important for breeding ospreys in Abu Dhabi. By maintaining healthy breeding numbers of Ospreys, it will support Abu Dhabi’s ventures into nature-based tourism,’ said Majid Al Mansouri, Secretary General of EAD.