The recovery of the Osprey Pandion haliaetus in New South Wales
The Osprey Pandion haliaetus is a rare bird in New South Wales and is listed as a 'vulnerable' on the Threatened Species Conservation Act (1995). It is generally confined to coastal areas from the Queensland border to Lake Macquarie but breeds along the larger North Coast rivers to the limit of tidal influence. Non-breeding birds occur further south and in recent years nesting has been attempted on the Central Coast and at Narrabeen Lake. There were only a few recorded observations of the species in the state prior to 1980 and the location of only one nest was known to state government agencies and the author. Surveys in 1980 and 1981 located 10 and 15 nests respectively and determined threatening processes. Management of the species, in particular the protection of nest sites and, later, the erection of artificial nest platforms, followed the surveys. This management has resulted in a steady increase in the population of the species. In 2002 in excess of 75 active nests were reported while a survey in 2003 located 118 active nests. Colour banding has been carried out since 1990 with a total of 94 birds, mostly nestlings, having been banded. Recoveries from as far away as the South Coast of New South Wales (714 km) have been made. The recovery of the Osprey in New South Wales is a threatened species management success story. The protection of nest sites and the erection of artificial nest platforms as well as a reduction in egg collecting and shooting and the banning of dangerous pesticides have also contributed. The species has recovered well but with a population of less than 300 birds it is still vulnerable to future declines as the human population of the North Coast Region of New South Wales increases.