Khasab – The Environment Authority ( EA) has completed a comprehensive field study to monitor and document the nesting sites of the osprey in Musandam Governorate as part of its ongoing efforts to protect and enhance marine biodiversity in the Sultanate of Oman. The osprey, a large bird of prey with a white head, brown […]
Khasab – The Environment Authority ( EA) has completed a comprehensive field study to monitor and document the nesting sites of the osprey in Musandam Governorate as part of its ongoing efforts to protect and enhance marine biodiversity in the Sultanate of Oman.
The osprey, a large bird of prey with a white head, brown wings and yellow eyes, inhabits coastal areas and islands and feeds mainly on fish. While globally classified as a threatened species, it is considered less vulnerable in Oman, making its monitoring vital for conservation.
Eng Noura bint Abdullah al Shehhi, Head of the Biodiversity and Vegetation Development Section at the Environment Authority in Musandam, said the study represents an important step in documenting marine biodiversity in the governorate. “The findings will help develop effective strategies to protect the osprey and its natural habitats,” she said.
The study, conducted between January and April 2025, identified 45 osprey nests in various locations across Musandam, including 19 containing eggs. Each nest had between one and four eggs. The survey used modern monitoring tools such as GPS devices, professional cameras and traps, along with field visits by a specialised team from the Authority.
The collected data was analysed using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and compared with regional and international studies to better understand the bird’s behaviour and environmental patterns.
Al Shehhi said ospreys prefer nesting in groups on mountain outcrops and remote islands, especially in the eastern part of the Musandam Peninsula in the Khasab area, while their main feeding grounds are found in the Bukha and Dibba regions.
The study identified several natural threats to the species, including habitat degradation, climate change, and attacks on nests and eggs by mountain foxes, Indian crows and terns. No human-related threats or hunting activities were recorded.
Salim bin Humaid al Junaibi, Director of the Environment Department in Musandam, said the Environment Authority continues to support research and documentation projects on wildlife across the Sultanate. “This project reflects the Authority’s efforts to conserve and develop terrestrial and marine ecosystems, expand the national biodiversity database and support national initiatives to protect endangered species,” he said.
Al Junaibi added that such initiatives are aligned with Oman’s environmental goals and contribute to ensuring the sustainability of ecosystems in the country.
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