The recovery of Osprey populations in the Mediterranean basin

Conserving wildlife facing mass‐tourism calls for effective management

“…The migratory habits of these two populations are also markedly different (Monti et al, 2018a). Hence, we strongly disagree with the viewpoint by Ferrer & Morandini (2018) that Dr Martinez-Abrain (2018) cites as an example. The translocation of numerous birds from northern to southern Europe is not recommended and contradicts modern approaches of conservation genetics, since it would completely homogenize the species at European level, hindering the possibility to preserve the natural genetic diversity of the Mediterranean population.…”

Changes from Cliff- to Tree-Nesting in Raptors: A Response to Lower Human Persecution?

“…For example, Fernández (1993) found that Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) not only choose cliffs for nesting-due to human disturbance-but also that they choose the most inaccessible cliffs that are located farthest from tracks, roads, and villages. Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) populations from northern Europe (less intensively persecuted during the last century) nest on trees, whereas Mediterranean populations (most intensively persecuted in the recent past) nest on island cliffs (Ferrer and Morandini 2018, Martínez-Abraín 2018, Monti et al 2018. A similar situation exists with the Booted Eagle (Aquila pennata): on the island of Mallorca (Spain), the eagles currently nest on cliffs after a long period of intense human persecution, but in the Iberian Peninsula, they are tree-nesters (Viada and de Pablo 2009).…”

Changes from Cliff- to Tree-Nesting in Raptors: A Response to Lower Human Persecution?

“…For example, Ferna ´ndez (1993) found that Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) not only choose cliffs for nesting-due to human disturbance-but also that they choose the most inaccessible cliffs that are located farthest from tracks, roads, and villages. Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) populations from northern Europe (less intensively persecuted during the last century) nest on trees, whereas Mediterranean populations (most intensively persecuted in the recent past) nest on island cliffs (Ferrer and Morandini 2018, Martínez-Abraín 2018, Monti et al 2018. A similar situation exists with the Booted Eagle (Aquila pennata): on the island of Mallorca (Spain), the eagles currently nest on cliffs after a long period of intense human persecution, but in the Iberian Peninsula, they are tree-nesters (Viada and de Pablo 2009).…”