UK-breeding ospreys winter primarily in West Africa, particularly in The Gambia and Senegal, where habitat loss and local fishing pressure affect their welfare during the non-breeding season.
Ospreys in degraded West African wetlands face reduced fish availability and increased travel distances for prey. Habitat loss through wetland drainage reduces roosting and hunting territories. The welfare of UK-breeding ospreys is therefore directly linked to conservation conditions thousands of kilometres away, requiring international collaboration for effective protection.