FAQs
Why the focus on Eastern Ospreys and White-bellied Sea Eagles?
Both species are considered endangered in South Australia due to low numbers of breeding pairs and the number of occupied territories have declined over the past 50 years.
They are emblematic, top-order predators of our coastal environments and as such are indicator species for the health of those environments in our state.
What is a threatened species recovery plan?
Recovery plans set out the research and management actions necessary to stop the decline of, and support the recovery of, listed threatened species or threatened ecological communities. The aim of a recovery plan is to maximise the long-term survival in the wild of a threatened species or ecological community.
Recovery plans should state what must be done to protect and restore important populations of threatened species and habitat, as well as how to manage and reduce threatening processes. Recovery plans achieve this aim by providing a planned and logical framework for key interest groups and responsible government agencies to coordinate their work to improve the plight of threatened species and/or ecological communities.
What can I do to help?
Anyone who enjoys coastal activities in the birds’ range can play a role in their conservation by reducing disturbance during sensitive times of the year.
For those wanting to be a bit more ‘hands-on’, there is plenty of scope to get involved in monitoring and site-based actions such as nest protection and artificial nest platform construction and installation.
Why are Eastern Ospreys and White-bellied Sea Eagles endangered in South Australia?
While some ospreys have become accustomed to living in proximity to people in a small number of places, both species are generally considered highly sensitive to disturbance during their breeding seasons. Coastal development and recreation, and even poorly-timed land management and research activities, can reduce habitat quality for these species.
Ospreys tend to nest in highly exposed locations that may be vulnerable to extreme weather events. This is likely to be exacerbated by climate change.
Other threats include predation of eggs and young and collisions with, and/or electrocutions by electricity infrastructure.
