Menu

Volume 53, No. 1

Volumes > 38 (2010-->)

Volumes 28-37 (2000-09)

Volumes 18-27 (1990-99)

Volumes 5-17 (1978-89) a.k.a 'Cormorant'

Search by author or title:

Decrypting the breeding biology of the elusive and declining Tahiti Petrel Pseudobulweria rostrata


Authors

ANGELIQUE PAGENAUD1,2,3*, KAREN BOURGEOIS2, LÉNA PAYANDI1,3, WILFRIED WEISS1,4, ÉRIC VIDAL1, & ANDREAS RAVACHE1,3,5
1UMR ENTROPIE, IRD, IFREMER, CNRS, University of Reunion, University of New Caledonia, BP A5, 98848 Nouméa Cedex, New Caledonia *(angepagenaud@gmail.com)
2UMR IMBE, University of Aix-Marseille, CNRS, IRD, University of Avignon, BP A5, 98848 Nouméa Cedex, New Caledonia
3Bird Conservation New Caledonia, 141 Route de l'Anse Vata, 9800 Nouméa, New Caledonia
4Institut Agronomique Néo-Calédonien (IAC), Port-Laguerre BP73, 98890 Païta, New Caledonia
5Centre d'Ecologie et des Sciences de la Conservation (CESCO), Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France

Citation

Pagenaud, A., Bourgeois, K., Payandi, L., Weiss, W., Vidal, É., & Ravache, A. 2025. Decrypting the breeding biology of the elusive and declining Tahiti Petrel Pseudobulweria rostrata. Marine Ornithology 53: 1 - 11
http://doi.org/10.5038/2074-1235.53.1.1625

Received 12 December 2023, accepted 19 July 2024

Date Published: 2025/04/15
Date Online: 2025/03/09
Download PDF
Download Appendix 1
Key words: Tahiti Petrel, Pseudobulweria rostrata, phenology, breeding success, behavior

Abstract

Among procellariids, the Tahiti Petrel Pseudobulweria rostrata is one of the most endangered and least known species. Its global populations are declining, yet demographic and ecological studies remain scarce. Understanding the breeding cycle and behavior of Tahiti Petrel adults and chicks is essential to develop effective protection measures. To address this knowledge gap, Tahiti Petrel colonies of various sizes were studied at three sites in New Caledonia, with extensive sampling at two main sites and limited sampling at a third. A total of 157 burrows were monitored for up to two years using endoscopic cameras and camera traps. This allowed the depiction of the breeding phenology, reproductive success, frequency of adult nest visits, chick behavior, first emergence, and fledging dates. During the study, 75% of the identified burrows were visited by Tahiti Petrels. Egg-laying peaked in December but occurred year-round, indicating aseasonal breeding by Tahiti Petrels in New Caledonia. The average breeding cycle was 329 ± 11.6 days, including an average incubation period of 55.7 ± 0.9 days and an average chick-rearing period of 110.7 ± 5.6 days. Parents visited nests every 1.3 days on average during chick-rearing. After the chick's first emergence, which typically occurred 31 days before fledging, adult visitation decreased. Chicks did not show defensive behavior against predators, and most chicks fledged after nine days without feeding. Breeding success was 50% at a predator-free site and 32% at a site with invasive predators. These findings suggest high sensitivity to disturbance and depredation, contributing to the species' decline in New Caledonia and elsewhere in the world. Together with previous studies conducted in New Caledonia, these results provide crucial information for the implementation of adapted conservation measures for this declining species.

References


Bancroft, W. J., Garkaklis, M. J., & Roberts, J. D. (2005). Burrow building in seabird colonies: A soil-forming process in island ecosystems. Pedobiologia, 49(2), 149-165. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedobi.2004.10.002

Bester, A., Klomp, N., Priddel, D., & Carlile, N. (2002). Chick-provisioning behaviour of the Providence Petrel, Pterodroma solandri. Emu, 102(3), 297-303. https://doi.org/10.1071/MU01021

Bester, A. J., Priddel, D., Klomp, N. I., Carlile, N., & O'Neill, L. E. (2007). Reproductive success of the Providence Petrel Pterodroma solandri on Lord Howe Island, Australia. Marine Ornithology, 35(1), 21-28. http://doi.org/10.5038/2074-1235.35.1.717

Binder, D., Priddel, D., Carlile, N., & Kingsford, R. T. (2013). Emergence, growth, ageing and provisioning of Providence Petrel (Pterodroma solandri) chicks: Implications for translocation. Emu, 113(1), 33-44. https://doi.org/10.1071/MU11051

Bird, J. P., Fuller, R. A., Pascoe, P. P., & Shaw, J. D. S. (2021). Trialling camera traps to determine occupancy and breeding in burrowing seabirds. Remote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation 8(2), 180-190. https://doi.org/10.1002/rse2.235

Bird, M., Tait, E., Wurster, C., & Furness, R. (2008). Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis of avian uric acid. Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry, 22(21), 3393-3400. https://doi.org/10.1002/rcm.3739

BirdLife International. (2022). IUCN Red List for Birds: Species Factsheets. Retrieved June 1, 2022, from https://www.iucnredlist.org

BirdLife International. (2018). Species factsheet: Pseudobulweria rostrata. Retrieved September 16, 2021, from http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/tahiti-petrel-pseudobulweria-rostrata

Blackmer, A. L., Ackerman, J. T., & Nevitt, G. A. (2004). Effects of investigator disturbance on hatching success and nest-site fidelity in a long-lived seabird, Leach's storm-petrel. Biological Conservation, 116(1), 141-148. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0006-3207(03)00185-X

Boersma, P. D. (1982). Why some birds take so long to hatch. American Naturalist, 120(6), 733-750. https://doi.org/10.1086/284027

Bourgeois, K., Dromzée, S., & Vidal, E. (2014). Relationships between nest-cavity and mate selection, reproductive performance and fidelity in the mediterranean endemic yelkouan shearwater Puffinus yelkouan. Acta Ornithologica, 49(1), 9-22. https://doi.org/10.3161/000164514X682850

Bretagnolle, V., Renaudet, L., Villard, P., Shirihai, H., Carlile, N., & Priddel, D. (2021). Status of Gould's Petrel Pterodroma leucoptera caledonica in New Caledonia: Distribution, breeding biology, threats and conservation. Emu, 121(4), 303-313. https://doi.org/10.1080/01584197.2021.1938611

Bried, J., & Jouventin, P. (2002). Site and mate choice in seabirds: An evolutionary approach. In E. A. Schreiber & J. Burger (Eds.), Biology of marine birds (pp. 263-306). CRC Press.

Brook, M. (2004). Albatrosses and petrels across the world. Oxford University Press.

Buxton, R. T., Gormley, A. M., Jones, C. J., & Lyver, P. O. B. (2016). Monitoring burrowing petrel populations: A sampling scheme for the management of an island keystone species. Journal of Wildlife Management, 80(1), 149-161. https://doi.org/10.1002/jwmg.994

Carlile, N., & O'Dwyer, T. (2023). Conservation of the surface-nesting Kermadec Petrel Pterodroma neglecta neglecta in the South Pacific: Clarifying breeding ecology and the threat of avian ground predators. Bird Conservation International, 33, e44. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0959270922000491

Carlile, N., Priddel, D., & Madeiros, J. (2012). Establishment of a new, secure colony of endangered Bermuda petrel Pterodroma cahow by translocation of near-fledged nestlings. Bird Conservation International, 22(1), 46-58. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0959270911000372

Cooper, J., & Fourie, A. (1991). Improved breeding success of Great-winged Petrels Pterodroma macroptera following control of feral cats Felis catus at subantarctic Marion Island. Bird Conservation International, 1(2), 171-175. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0959270900002033

Croxall, J. P., Butchart, S. H .M., Lascelles, B., Stattersfield, A. J., Sullivan, B., Symes, A., & Taylor, P. (2012). Seabird conservation status, threats and priority actions: Aå global assessment. Bird Conservation International, 22(1), 1-34. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0959270912000020

Cruz, F., & Cruz, J. B. (1990). Breeding, morphology, and growth of the endangered Dark-Rumped petrel. The Auk, 107(2), 317-326. https://doi.org/10.2307/4087615

Cuthbert, R., & Davis, L. S. (2002a). Adult survival and productivity of Hutton's Shearwaters. Ibis, 144(3), 423-432. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1474-919X.2002.00071.x

Cuthbert, R., & Davis, L. S. (2002b). The breeding biology of Hutton's Shearwater. Emu - Austral Ornithology, 102(4), 323-329. https://doi.org/10.1071/MU01032

Dias, M. P., Martin, R.,  Pearmain, E. J., Burfield, I. J., Small, C.,  Phillips, R. A., Yates, O., Lascelles, B.,  Borboroglu, P. G., & Croxall, J. P. (2019). Threats to seabirds: A global assessment. Biological Conservation, 237, 525-537. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2019.06.033

Dilley, B .J., Davies, D., Bond, A. L., & Ryan, P. G. (2015). Effects of mouse predation on burrowing petrel chicks at Gough Island. Antarctic Science, 27(6), 543-553. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0954102015000279

Faulquier, L. (2014). Étude du pétrel de Tahiti Pseudobulweria rostrata sur les plateaux de Te Mehani de l'île de Raiatea [Unpublished manuscript]. Société d'Ornithologie de Polynésie.

Field, S. A., O'Connor, P. J., Tyre, A. J., & Possingham, H. P. (2007). Making monitoring meaningful. Austral Ecology, 32(5), 485-491. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1442-9993.2007.01715.x

Fischer, J., Wittmer, H., Taylor, G., Debski, I., & Armstrong, D. (2021). Preparing for translocations of a critically endangered petrel through targeted monitoring of nest survival and breeding biology. Oryx, 55(4), 564-572. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0030605320000794

Gangloff, B., Shirihai, H., Watling, D., Cruaud, C., Couloux, A., Tillier, A., Pasquet, E., & Bretagnolle, V. (2012). The complete phylogeny of Pseudobulweria, the most endangered seabird genus: Systematics, species status and conservation implications. Conservation Genetics, 13, 39-52. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10592-011-0261-6

Gangloff, B., & Wilson, K. J. (2004). Feeding frequency, meal size and chick growth in Pycroft's petrel (Pterodroma pycrofti): Preparing for chick translocations in Pterodroma species. Notornis, 51, 26-32.

Gardner, P. (1999). Aspects of the breeding biology of the Chatham petrel (Pterodroma axillaris). Science for Conservation, 131A, 5-21.

Hamer, K. C., Schreiber, E. A., & Burger, J. (2001). Breeding biology, life histories, and life-history-environnement interactions in seabirds. In E. A. Schreiber & J. Burger (Eds.), Biology of marine birds (pp. 217-262). CRC Press. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781420036305

Hamilton, S. (2000). How precise and accurate are data obtained using an infra-red scope on burrow-nesting Sooty Shearwaters Puffinus griseus? Marine Ornithology, 28(1), 1-6. http://doi.org/10.5038/2074-1235.28.1.450

Horn, M. H., & Whitcombe, C. D. (2015). A shallow-diving seabird predator as an indicator of prey availability in southern California waters: A longitudinal study. Journal of Marine Systems, 146, 89-98. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmarsys.2014.08.012

Imber, M. J., West, J. A., & Cooper, W. J. (2003). Cook's petrel (Pterodroma cookii): Historic distribution, breeding biology and effects of predators. Notornis, 50, 221-230.

Jones, H. P., & Kress, S. W. (2012). A review of the world's active seabird restoration projects. Journal of Wildlife Management, 76(1), 2-9. https://doi.org/10.1002/jwmg.240

Madeiros, J., Carlile, N., & Priddel, D. (2012). Breeding biology and population increase of the endangered Bermuda petrel Pterodroma cahow. Bird Conservation International, 22(1), 35-45. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0959270911000396

Mariné, M., & Cadiou, B. (2019). Breeding success, nest site fidelity and mate fidelity in the European Storm-petrel Hydrobates pelagicus. Seabird, 32, 46-58. https://doi.org/10.61350/sbj.32.46

Militão, T., Dinis, H. A., Zango, L., Calabuig, P., Stefan, L. M., & González-Solís, J. (2017). Population size, breeding biology and on-land threats of Cape Verde petrel (Pterodroma feae) in Fogo Island, Cape Verde. PLoS One, 12(4), e0174803. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0174803

Miskelly, C. M., Taylor, G. A., Gummer, H., & Williams, R. (2009). Translocations of eight species of burrow-nesting seabirds (genera Pterodroma, Pelecanoides, Pachyptila and Puffinus: Family Procellariidae). Biological Conservation, 142(10), 1965-1980. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2009.03.027

Mougin, J. L. (1996). Faithfulness to mate and nest site of Bulwer's Petrel Bulweria bulwerii at Selvagem Grande. Marine Ornithology, 24(1), 15-18. http://doi.org/10.5038/2074-1235.24.None.354

Newman, J., Fletcher, D., Moller, H., Bragg, C., Scott, D., & McKechnie, S. (2009). Estimates of productivity and detection probabilities of breeding attempts in the sooty shearwater (Puffinus griseus), a burrow-nesting petrel. Wildlife Research, 36(2), 159-168. https://doi.org/10.1071/WR06074

Pagenaud, A., Bourgeois, K., Dromzée, S., Thibault, M., Chagneau, G., Barré, N., Bouyé, É., Chartendrault, V., Delelis, N., Dijoux, J., Patrois, M., Spaggiari, J., & Vidal, É. (2021). Tahiti Petrel Pseudobulweria rostrata population decline at a nickel-mining site: A critical need for adapted conservation strategies. Bird Conservation International, 32(2), 246-258. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0959270921000113

Pagenaud, A., Ravache, A., Bourgeois, K., Mathivet, M., Bourguet, É., Vidal, É., & Thibault, M. (2022). Nest-site selection and its influence on breeding success in a poorly-known and declining seabird : The Tahiti petrel Pseudobulweria. PLoS One, 17(4), e0267408. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0267408

Palmas, P., Jourdan, H., Rigault, F., Debar, L., De Meringo, H., Bourguet, E., Mathivet, M., Lee, M., Adjouhgniope, R., Papillon, Y., Bonnaud, Vidal, E. (2017). Feral cats threaten the outstanding endemic fauna of the New Caledonia biodiversity hotspot. Biological Conservation, 214, 250-259. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2017.08.003

Pierce, R. J. (2002). Kiore (Rattus exulans) impact on breeding success of Pycroft's Petrels and Little Shearwaters. Department of Conservation. https://dxcprod.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/science-and-technical/dsis39.pdf

Pinet, P., Salamolard, M., Probst, J. M., Russell, J .C., Jaquemet, S., & Le Corre, M. (2009). Barau's Petrel Pterodroma baraui: History, biology and conservation of an endangered endemic petrel. Marine Ornithology, 37(2), 107-113. http://doi.org/10.5038/2074-1235.37.2.825

Portelli, D. J. (2016). Plumage variation in Gould's petrel (Pterodroma leucoptera): An evaluation of the taxonomic validity of P. l. caledonica. Notornis, 63, 130-141.

Priddel, D., & Carlile, N. (2001). A trial translocation of Gould's Petrel (Pterodroma leucoptera leucoptera). Emu, 101(1), 79-88. https://doi.org/10.1071/MU00059

Rauzon, M. J., & Rudd, A. B. (2014). Vocal repertoire of the Tahiti Petrel Pseudobulweria rostrata: A preliminary assessment. Marine Ornithology, 42(2), 143-148. http://doi.org/10.5038/2074-1235.42.2.1081

Ravache, A., Bourgeois, K., Weimerskirch, H., Pagenaud, A., de Grissac, S., Miller, M., Dromzée, S., Lorrain, A., Allain, V., Bustamante, P., Bylemans, J., Gleeson, D., Letourneur, Y., & Vidal, É. (2020). Behavioral and trophic segregations help the Tahiti petrel to cope with the abundance of wedge‑tailed shearwater when foraging in oligotrophic tropical waters. Scientific Reports, 10, 15129.

Riethmuller, M., Jan, F., Giloux, Y., & Saliman, M. (2012). Plan national d'actions en faveur du Pétrel Noir de Bourbon Pseudobulweria aterrima (2012-2016). Ministère de l'Écologie, du Développement durable et de l'Energie, Direction de l'Environnement, de l'Aménagement et du Logement de La Réunion, Saint-Denis. SEOR. https://biodiversite.gouv.fr/projet-pna/wp-content/uploads/PNA_Petrel-noir-de-Bourbon_2012_2016.pdf

Robert, A., Paiva, V. H., Bolton, M., Jiguet, F., & Bried, J. (2014). Nest fidelity is driven by multi-scale information in a long-lived seabird. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 281(1793), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2014.1692

Rodríguez, A., Arcos, J. M., Bretagnolle, V., Rodríguez, A., Arcos, J. M., Bretagnolle, V., Dias, M. P., Holmes, N. D., Louzao, M., Provencher, J., Raine, A. F., Ramírez, F., Rodríguez, B., Ronconi, R. A., Taylor, R. S., Bonnaud, E., Borrelle, S. B., Cortés, V., Descamps, S., Friesen, V. L., Genovart, M., Hedd, A., . . .Chiaradia, A. (2019). Future directions in conservation research on petrels and shearwaters. Frontiers in Marine Science, 6, 1-27. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2019.00094

Smith, J., Mulder, C., & Ellis, J. (2011). Seabirds as ecosystem engineers: nutrient inputs and physical disturbance. In C. Mulder, W. B. Anderson, D. R. Towns & P. J. Bellingham (Eds.), Seabird islands: Ecology, invasion, and restoration (pp. 27-55). Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:osobl/9780199735693.003.0002

Spear, L. B., & Ainley, D. G. (1998). Morphological differences relative to ecological segregation in petrels (family: Procellariidae) of the southern ocean and tropical Pacific. The Auk, 115(4), 1017-1033. https://doi.org/10.2307/4089519

Titmus, A. J. (2017). Investigating spatiotemporal distribution and habitat use of poorly understood procellariiform seabirds on a remote island in american samoa. [Doctoral dissertation, University of Hawai‘i].

Titmus, A. J., & Lepczyk, C. A. (2025). Modeling breeding habitat preferences of Tahiti Petrel Pseudobulweria rostrata on Ta‘ū, American Samoa. Marine Ornithology, 53(1), 13-19.

Tomkins, R. J. (1985). Breeding success and mortality of Dark-rumped Petrels in the Galapagos, and control of their predators. Conservation of Island Birds, 3, 159-175.

VanderWerf, E. A., Kress, S., Guzmán, Y. B., Spatz, E. R., Yaylor, G., & Gummer, H. (2023). Restoration: Social attraction and translocation. In L. Young & E. VanderWerf (Eds.), Conservation of Marine Birds (pp. 545-577). Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-88539-3.00009-1

Villard, P., Dano, S., & Bretagnolle, V. (2006). Morphometrics and the breeding biology of the Tahiti Petrel Pseudobulweria rostrata. Ibis, 148, 285-291. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1474-919X.2006.00528.x 

Virion, M., Faulquier, L., Le Corre, M., Couzi, F.-X., & Salamolard, M. (2021). Plan national d'actions en faveur des pétrels endémiques de La Réunion 2021-2030. UMR ENTROPIE, Université de La Réunion/Société d'Études Ornithologiques de La Réunion/Parc national de La Réunion. https://biodiversite.gouv.fr/projet-pna/wp-content/uploads/PNA_2021-2030_petrels_endemiques.pdf

Visser, G. (2001). Chick growth and development in seabirds. In E. A. Schreiber & J. Burger (Eds.), Biology of marine birds (pp. 439-466). CRC Press.

Warham, J. (1996). The behaviour, population biology and physiology of the petrels. Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-735415-6.x5000-5

Warham, J. (1990). The petrels: Their ecology and breeding systems. Academic Press. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0954102092220514

Wickham, H. (2016). ggplot2. Use R! Springer International Publishing.https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-24277-4_9

Yoda, K., Shiozaki, T., Shirai, M., Matsumoto, S., & Yamamoto, M. (2017). Preparation for flight: Pre-fledging exercise time is correlated with growth and fledging age in burrow-nesting seabirds. Journal of Avian Biology, 48, 881-886. https://doi.org/10.1111/jav.01186

Search by author or title:

Browse previous volumes:

Volumes > 38 (2010-->)

Volumes 28-37 (2000-09)

Volumes 18-27 (1990-99)

Volumes 5-17 (1978-89) a.k.a 'Cormorant'