Abstract
The Providence Petrel (Pterodroma solandri) currently breeds only on Lord Howe and Phillip Islands and is globally threatened. It once bred on Norfolk Island in large numbers but was extirpated by the late 18th century, greatly reducing the influx of marine-derived nutrients in the form of droppings, and failed eggs and chicks. This lack of nutrients has impaired the health of the remaining native forests on Norfolk Island. The re-establishment of a colony of Providence Petrels on Norfolk Island would not only provide another viable breeding colony of this threatened species but is essential to restore ecosystem function on Norfolk Island. This paper investigates the biology of Providence Petrel chicks as a prerequisite for the translocation of this species to Norfolk Island from Lord Howe. Petrels are highly philopatric, so only chicks not yet imprinted at their natal colony can be translocated. We investigated the timing of first emergence from the burrow, growth and provisioning of chicks on Lord Howe Island, and developed selection and ageing criteria for translocation, together with appropriate feeding regimes. Such information is critical for the success of the proposed translocation.
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