Abstract
Burrow-nesting seabird populations are vulnerable to predation by introduced rats, because of their nesting habits and slow life histories. We investigated whether control of kiore (Pacific rats, Rattus exulans) by removal trapping, and during an unsuccessful community-led island-wide eradication attempt, had any effects on nest survival of grey-faced petrels (Pterodroma gouldi) on Ririwha (Stephenson Island), northeastern New Zealand. We compared nest survival between two plots at which rats were trapped and six un-trapped plots in 2010, as well as at all plots during and after the poisoning programme in 2011–2012. Neither mean rates of breeding burrow occupancy nor nest survival differed between trapped and un-trapped plots in 2010. We found no significant differences between years or between plots throughout the poisoning programme. Extrapolation of daily nest survival rates to the full 172-day combined egg and chick period gave an estimate of mean annual productivity for all plots combined of 0.285 (95% confidence interval 0.252–0.318), which is higher than on comparable predator-free islands. Although the absence of a detectable effect of kiore on breeding grey-faced petrels on Ririwha is reassuring, we can be less sure that smaller burrow-nesting seabirds on the island are secure.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
