Chatham Islands petrel

Scientific name: Pterodroma axillaris

The Chatham Islands petrel is another species with a very limited range—they are only found in three locations worldwide. These seabirds were outcompeted by the broad-billed prion for burrows in their shared habitat, leading to conflict between the species and decreased petrel numbers. Predation from other animals, like cats and dogs, and human development have also led to population decline.

Conservation efforts to remove competition between petrels and prions have increased breeding success for petrels from 10-30% to 80%. The Chatham Islands petrel is now classified as vulnerable by the IUCN. However, if conservation efforts stop, competition with prions would likely cause severe population declines again.