What problems affect the osprey?

Answer 1

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The Osprey in many countries suffered from problems with DDT during the 1960s and 1970s but with the banning of DDT, it does not seem to be a major problem at the moment (although DDT is still used in countries outside of Europe).

But in the future, other pollutants may cause similar problems.

Destruction of suitable wetlands and trees that Ospreys can use for building their nests is a concern, at least in some areas. The Osprey prefers old pine trees for nesting in many countries, but the intensification in forest management has lead to the removal of suitable trees.

Illegal hunting during migration is probable not a huge problem at the moment but can still occur in some countries (for example on Malta).

Disturbance during the incubation and chick rearing period by tourism or forest management can result in the failure of breeding attempts [Mebs & Schmidt 2006].

Egg theft was a huge problem, especially for the recovering population in Scotland (see [Dennis 2008] for details) in the 1970s and 1980s. Today it can still occur but is probably no longer a big problem (which does not mean it should be neglected).

Yound Ospreys can get entangled in nylon fishing line or have hooks embedded in their throats [Dennis 2008].

In the future, overfishing along the African cost (mostly by European ships) could dramatically reduce fish stocks there. That would also affect wintering Osprey populations