Breeding of the Grey Petrel (Procellaria cinerea) on Macquarie Island: population size and nesting habitat

摘要: Breeding of the Grey Petrel (Procellaria cinerea) was confirmed on Macquarie Island, with 26 colonies located, and unconfirmed nesting activity found at two additional localities. Colonies comprised from one to 12 burrows in which confirmed, total number for all combined ranging eight 2000 59 2003. The active breeding not ranged 58 2001 54 2002 21 fledged chicks six (2000) 20 (2002), a success rate 75% 80% 2002. declined 2003 32%. Factors accounting nest failure are discussed. were located Poa foliosa tussock grassland steep seaward-facing (n = 26) or near-coastal slopes 2) deep soil little surface rock. Five environmental variables determined colony location. Numbers increased increasing depth soils distinct spur-crests westerly aspect. Increased higher altitude related decreased Black Rat activity. Uncertainty our estimation size population Island caused by high proportion could be confirmed. However, based numbers minimum pairs present If included, Petrels probably 79 80 respectively.