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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