Biology and Behavior of the Endangered Hawaiian Dark-Rumped Petrel
Simons TR. 1985. Biology and Behavior of the Endangered Hawaiian Dark-Rumped Petrel. The Condor. 87(2):229-245
The Hawaiian Dark-rumped Petrel (Pterodroma phaeopygia sandwichensis), or 'Ua'u, is an endangered gadfly petrel that nests in the Hawaiian Islands and ranges throughout the central Pacific. The species was once common in Hawaii with large colonies located on all the main islands, but its numbers have recently been reduced to several small relict populations. Over 85% of the breeding birds known today nest in and around Haleakala National Park on the island of Maui, the site of a three-year study begun in 1979. I studied the breeding biology, behavior, and conservation needs of this poorly known species using specially designed event recorders and a closed circuit television system employing a night vision scope. The study also documented variations in the birds' reproductive success that occurred naturally and as a result of varying levels of predation by introduced mammals. Predation is the primary threat to the birds' survival, so if it can be controlled, the remaining populations should thrive.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Simons, Theodore
- Units
- HALE
- Keywords
- Absence (Biodiversity), Abundance (Biodiversity), Animal Behavior, Animal Studies, Breeding, Dark-Rumped Petrel (Pterodroma phaeopygia sandwichensis), Distribution (Biodiversity), Mau`i HI, Mortality, Nests & Nesting, Presence (Biodiversity), Threatened & Endangered Species