Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) Overwintering Patterns in a High-Density Area in Senegal

[EN] European Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) typically migrate long distances to their nonbreeding grounds in sub-Saharan Africa. Other than the wide distribution of their wintering range (i.e., from Senegambia, Guinea-Bissau, and Mali north to Cameroon), little is known about the wintering ecology of these birds in Africa. From 2015 to 2022, we collected data to estimate the abundance and distribution of the nonbreeding population of Ospreys in the Langue de Barbarie National Park, northwestern Senegal. We found one of the highest densities of Ospreys recorded in Africa. Interestingly, most birds overwintering in Langue de Barbarie National Park were adults, suggesting a differential selection of the nonbreeding area for different life stages. Furthermore, although the number of Ospreys we recorded did not vary over the years, their spatial distribution did change. The observed changes in the spatial distributions of overwintering Ospreys were likely associated with a channel construction project. Because abiotic and biotic drivers influencing the nonbreeding period might subsequently affect abundance and distribution at local breeding grounds, integrative, holistic conservation strategies, including the protection of nonbreeding habitats, are essential for the conservation and protection of these migratory birds.