Population Estimate of Breeding Northern Giant Petrels Macronectes halli on Campbell Island, New Zealand

Abstract

An extensive survey of the breeding population of the Northern Giant Petrel Macronectes halli on Campbell Island was conducted during the 1996—97 season. The number of breeding pairs was estimated to be at least 234. Globally, Northern Giant Petrel populations are thought to be increasing at some locations and decreasing at others. Comparison of the 1996—97 Campbell Island population estimate with historic records is unreliable as past surveys were often limited in the areas searched or were based on anecdotal evidence of breeding occurences. Northern Giant Petrels often move their nest site from year to year and so representative surveys of a restricted area are not appropriate for this species. Long-term monitoring of the whole population is required in order to detect true population trends.