Following Nikolas's email I just did a search of Barau's Petrel papers and
found one good paper - Pinet et al. 2009 - BARAU’S PETREL PTERODROMA BARAUI:
HISTORY, BIOLOGY AND CONSERVATION OF AN ENDANGERED ENDEMIC PETREL
It is a broad paper focusing mainly on the conservation of Barau's Petrel. Some
disturbing facts:
A recent survey of cat scat around 2 (of an estimated 10 colonies) found 57%
contained Barau's Petrel remains. Research on these 2 colonies found that at
least 900 Barau's Petrels A YEAR were killed by cats. 58% adults 42% young.
Urbanisation of Reunion is also a major issue. Between 1995 - 2008 more than
5000 fledglings were rescued - being grounded around lights. 90% survived! i.e.
10% didn't
Population estimates in 2000 were of around 3800 breeding pairs. Discovery of
new colonies has increased the estimate since to to 4000-6500 breeding pairs.
Total population could be somewhere between 15000-20000 birds. The paper says
there is not enough data to suggest a population decline but goes on to say
that without intervention, modelling suggests they will be extinct within 100
years!
Anyone helping the French with island pest / predator management ??!
Rob Morris
Brisbane, Australia
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