Marine Animals

Wild Osprey Winter Migration Welfare

UK ospreys migrate to West Africa for winter and face multiple hazards along the migration route that affect individual welfare and survival.

Key Facts

UK ospreys spend winter primarily in West Africa, especially Senegal and the Gambia
Satellite tagging has mapped migration routes across the Sahara and Sahel
Birds must navigate the Sahara without food or water over 1,500 km
Illegal hunting at wetland stopover sites kills some birds
Young birds have lower migration survival than experienced adults

Welfare Considerations

Ospreys crossing the Sahara face severe physiological stress from dehydration and energy depletion. Individuals that fail to find adequate wetland stopover sites may die from exhaustion. Protecting wetland stopover habitats along the migration route and reducing illegal hunting are the primary welfare interventions beyond the UK breeding season.

What You Can Do

Support wetland conservation along osprey migration routes in Africa
Donate to organisations monitoring satellite-tagged osprey populations
Advocate for international cooperation to protect migratory bird species