Results of fives years of translocations of Hawaii's two endemic seabirds: the Newell's Shearwater and Hawaiian Petrel

Abstract

**Abstract:** Newell's Shearwater (Puffinus auricularis newelli; NESH) and Hawaiian Petrels (Pterodroma sandwichensis; HAPE) are both listed under the Endangered Species Act and are declining due to habitat degradation by feral ungulates (pigs, goats) and invasive exotic plants, predation by feral domestic cats, pigs, rats, and introduced Barn Owls, and collisions with power lines and structures often exacerbated by light attraction. Translocation to protected breeding sites with social attraction was proposed in the 1983 recovery plan and was ranked as priority one in the 2011 interagency 5-year Action Plan. In 2012, funding became available to begin preparing for translocations to Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. A peer-reviewed translocation plan was developed based on protocols used in New Zealand. A predator proof fence was completed in September 2014 and all non-native mammals were removed shortly afterwards. In August 2015 habitat restoration began and 50 artificial burrows were installed. From 2015-2019 a total of 90 HAPE and 67 NESH chicks that had not emerged from their montane burrows were removed by hand and transported via helicopter to the refuge and were hand-fed a fish, oil, Pedialyte® and squid mixture until they fledged. All but 3 HAPE successfully fledged resulting in a 97% and 100% fledging rate for HAPE and NESH respectively. Morphometric monitoring was done daily to assess chick age and health and the overwhelming majority of birds appeared to be in excellent health. Once complete, this project is expected to result in a new, secured and accessible breeding population of Hawaiian Petrels that will be crucial along with other protected and managed colonies in helping to prevent the extinction of this species and restoring a missing component of the coastal ecosystem in Hawaii. **Authors:** Lindsay Young¹, Andre Raine², Robby Kohley¹, Megan Dalton¹, Leilani Fowlke¹, Daniela Casillas¹, Erika Dittmar¹, Marilou Knight¹, Michael Mitchell³, Hannah Nevins⁴, Eric VanderWerf¹ ¹Pacific Rim Conservation, ²Kauai Endangered Seabird Recovery Project, ³US Fish and Wildlife Service, ⁴American Bird Conservancy