Reports
Installation of Artificial Bases for Nesting as an Activity to Protect the Osprey in Oil Fields in Abu Dhabi
2008 Volume 39 Issue 2 Pages 117-123
Details
2008 Volume 39 Issue 2 Pages 117-123
Abu Dhabi Oil Co., Ltd. is currently operating oil fields in Mubarraz Island, 100 km west of Abu Dhabi City, U.A.E. The Osprey Pandion haliaetus breeds on the island and in its vicinity, and is designated as a specially protected species by the U.A.E. government. To avert the potential depression of reproductive success of Ospreys nesting near the oil field operations, we attempted to lead pairs breeding there to artificial nest bases. In 2005-2006, 18 nest bases were installed, of which four bases were used by breeding pairs. In 2005-2007, at least five chicks were fledged from the bases, and two pairs seemed to move from their natural nests to the artificial bases. This project demonstrates the usefulness of artificial bases as a tool for leading breeding pairs to safer locations and for the successful breeding of the Osprey.
