OSPREY NESTS (PANDION HALIAETUS) AS A POTENTIAL KEY HABITAT FOR SMALL REPTILE SPECIES ON RED SEA ISLAND HABITATS

As part of the conservation efforts in the northern Red Sea development areas, the nests of Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) have been moved, out of nesting season, to relocate them away from areas where they would be damaged or disturbed by development. During these operations, a significant association with these structures and lizard species has been identified. The implications are threefold. Primarily, the nests may provide an important refuge habitat for these species on the uninhabited islands in the Red Sea. Secondly, as Osprey nests are avoided during surveys to ensure the species is not disturbed, there is a potential under reporting of the populations of small reptile species on the islands. This in turn has implications for wider population assessments and their consideration in the environmental impact assessment process. Thirdly, the potentially high numbers of Stenodactylus doriae and Acanthodactylus sp (likely A. opheodurus) in close proximity or a potentially loose colony structure in the nests is at odds with the published and accepted behavioural norm of these usually territorial species. Records are from initial observations only and further more structured research is required. Further investigation into this association can only be recorded on an opportunistic approach, as Osprey nests (and particularly active nests) should only be disturbed where all other avoidance mitigation has been exhausted.