The response of burrow-nesting petrels and other vulnerable bird species to vertebrate pest management and climate change on sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island

• DOI: 10.26749/rstpp.142.1.123
• Publication Date: 2018-03-29T00:08:47Z
• Authors: N Brothers; C Bone
• Keywords: Burrow; Nesting (process)

Pest species management is causing rapid and signifi cant changes to burrow-nesting petrel populations on sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island.The Weka, Gallirallus australis, was eliminated by 1989 the Feral Cat, Felis catus, eradicated in 2000.The most abundant burrow nesting currently, White-headed Petrels, Pterodroma lessonii, Antarctic Prions, Pachypti!.a desolata, Sooty Shearwaters, Puffinus griseus, have yet increase numbers, but are expected do so absence of cats.This study found evidence that Grey Procellaria cinerea, began breeding again island 1999, after an over 100 years.Blue Halobaena caerulea, Fairy Pachyptila turtur, were be re-colonising Island from offshore stacks a similar absence.South Georgian Diving-Petrels, Pelecanoides georgicus, also possibly recolonising island.Despite presence Black Rats, Rattus rattus, bird discussed considered capable population increase.If European Rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus, not elimi nated or maintained reduced some will never fully recover.Climate change could negative impact petrels, likely exacerbate detrimental effects remaining pest vulnerable indigenous species, compounding need for remedial action against rabbits particular.Together with predictions other now return breed, certain terrestrial alien region, may invade as consequence combination eradication changing climatic conditions.