Crucial discovery of breeding ground of Critically Endangered New Zealand Storm-petrels

Photo courtesy of DOC

New Zealand storm petrels were thought extinct until a few were spotted out to sea in 2003. Now their breeding location has been found for the first time. 

New Zealand Storm-petrel, thought extinct for 200 years, found breeding just 50 km from Auckland City

February 2013. Researchers are elated to find the sparrow-sized New Zealand Storm-petrel, thought extinct until 2003, is breeding on Little Barrier Island Hauturu in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park near Auckland. The team of researchers is led by Chris Gaskin - Important Bird Area Programme Manager for Forest & Bird (BirdLife in New Zealand) - and Dr Matt Rayner from the University of Auckland.

Not seen for 200 years
The seabird is listed as Critically Endangered by BirdLife on behalf of the IUCN Red List and finding the breeding site is vital for their conservation. Three specimens of the diminutive 35g seabirds were collected off New Zealand in the 1800s and are held by museums overseas. Since its rediscovery, there has been speculation as to where this seabird breeds.

The team camped on the Poor Knights Islands, Mokohinau Islands and Little Barrier Island using radio receivers to zero in on the breeding site.

Continued:  http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/nz-petrels.html