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Burrow occupancy and related behaviour of broad-billed prions Pachyptila vittata on South East (Rangatira) Island, Chatham Islands, New Zealand

Research Archive

Burrow occupancy and related behaviour of broad-billed prions Pachyptila vittata on South East (Rangatira) Island, Chatham Islands, New Zealand

Was, N. W. ; Wilson Kerry Jayne
Type: Monograph
Permalink: https://hdl.handle.net/10182/716
Originally published: 1998-07 as Lincoln University Wildlife Management Report by Lincoln University. Ecology and Entomology Group and available at http://hdl.handle.net/10182/716
Keywords: Pachyptila vittata; Chatham petrel; Pterodroma axillaris; burrow occupancy; Rangatira Island; Chatham Islands; broad-billed prion
Fields of Research: 0602 Ecology; 0701 Agriculture, Land and Farm Management

Abstract:

Burrow competition is occurring between broad-billed prions (Pachyptila vittata) and other small burrowing seabirds on South East (Rangatira) Island, Chatham Islands, New Zealand. This competition has a negative impact on the endangered Chatham petrel (Pterodroma axillaris) population. Seventy-seven broad-billed prion burrows were monitored nightly during the breeding season in 1996 and the non-breeding season in 1997 to determine burrow use patterns. From the total 246 broad-billed prions that were recorded in the non-breeding season 83% were returning breeders. Up to 10 broad-billed prions made use of individual burrows in the nonbreeding season. Some movement of established breeding broad-billed prions between burrows in the nonbreeding season occurred. Behavioural observations during the non-breeding season showed that broad-billed prions defended their burrow from others, spent time prospecting for burrows, pair bonded and attempted to establish ownership of burrows. Potential management strategies for broad-billed prions are discussed.

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