SHARJAH: The Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah (EPAA) has launched a project to build artificial nests for ospreys in Sir Bu Nair Island Reserve.

Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, EPAA Chairperson, said that the new project is the latest environmental initiative launched by the EPAA in Sharjah to protect the environment and wildlife and conserve its biodiversity in its natural habitats and original locations.

Al Suwaidi added, ‘The project aims at providing fixed, well-prepared artificial nests for the osprey in its distribution areas and feeding habitats in Sharjah, especially on the islands and the coastal areas that are considered natural havens for it.’

She clarified that this bird is one of the endangered birds of prey residing in the UAE and is distinguished by its exceptional skills in fishing, which is its main food source, thus focusing on areas near the shores to build its nest.

‘However, most of these shorelines are currently frequented by visitors and the public. Therefore, the EPAA lau
nched this unique project to build artificial nests to ensure suitable sites for the nesting and breeding of this bird, away from potential threats and surrounding noise,’ Al Suwaidi explained.

The artificial nest project has been registered on the platform of the Osprey Watch initiative (www.osprey-watch.org), making it the first nest in the UAE to be registered on the platform. This global initiative, formed by specialists and environmentalists, aims to collect data on a broad scale to support environmental decision-making.

Source : Emirates News Agency