CONSERVATION OF THE DARK-RUMPED PETREL PTERODROMA-PHAEOPYGIA IN THE GALAPAGOS-ISLANDS, ECUADOR

The effects of predation and habitat deterioration produced by rats, cats, dogs, pigs, goats, burros and cattle, which have been introduced over the last two centuries to the Galapagos archipelago, have reduced the dark-rumped petrel Pterodroma phaeopygia population so that is is now in danger of extinction. By controlling rat numbers through poisoning, and by protecting the nesting colony from other predator and pest species through hunting, petrel breeding success in the Cerro Pajas colony, Floreana Island, has been increased. Preliminary studies indicate that immediate conservation efforts are also needed and are being initiated for at least two other petrel populations. Continued predator control is essential to halt further petrel population declines and to allow their numbers to recuperate.