Fiji Petrel (Pseudobulweria macgillivrayi)
Justification This species is classified as Critical because it is inferred, given the paucity of recent records, that there is only a tiny population which is confined to an extremely small breeding area. Furthermore, it is assumed to be declining because of predation by cats, which may therefore threaten its long-term survival.
Identification 30 cm. Small, dark gadfly petrel. Dark chocolate-brown all over, perhaps darker around face. Black bill, dark eye. Pale washed-out blue tarsi. Mostly black feet with pale blue patch on centre of inner web. Similar spp. Size and colour may cause confusion with Black Noddy Anous minutus and Brown Noddy A. stolidus, but it lacks white cap and has characteristic petrel flight. Difficult to distinguish from Bulwer's Petrel Bulweria bulwerii which has buff-coloured wing-bars running diagonally across the upperwing surface and flies low over the sea. Hints May be seen in waters around Gau Island but believed to disperse to pelagic waters far from the island.
Population estimate 50
Population trend decreasing (continuing)
Range estimate 70 km2Country endemic? Yes
Range & Population Pseudobulweria macgillivrayi was known from just one immature specimen collected in 1855 on Gau Island, Fiji, but more recently there have been a total of eight records. In 1983, an adult was seen at sea close to Gau. In 1984, another adult was captured and released on the island. Since 1985, there have been a further six records of birds (all presumed juveniles) which have landed on the roofs of houses in Nawaikama or Nukuloa villages˜of these, three were released, one was injured (and preserved as a specimen at the Fiji Museum), and the fate of the others is unknown (and their identification is thus not foolproof). The only other record is of a reported sighting at sea over 200 km north of Gau. It may occur on other islands in the vicinity, e.g. Taveuni
Ecology It is likely to breed amongst large numbers of Collared Petrel Pterodroma brevipes in the rugged terrain of interior Gau (where over 70 km of suitable forest exists up to 715 m).
Threats The servicing of a recently constructed telecommunications transmitter on the summit of Gau may facilitate the movement of feral cats and rats (Pacific rat Rattus exulans and brown rat R. norvegicus) to the breeding area, and thereby increase predation. Although P. brevipes seem to nest successfully (and its seasonal breeding in the first half of the year may swamp cat predation), it is possible that P. macgillivrayi has a more prolonged breeding season later in the year, and it could therefore suffer disproportionately.
Action The rarity and significance of this species is known to local residents and it is featured on a Fijian bank note. It is protected under Fijian law. In 1989, research on the ridge around possible nesting areas was terminated since it was felt that such activities, without complementary conservation action, could encourage cats to follow paths into the area.
