
Population estimation of the New Zealand storm petrel (Fregetta maoriana) from mark-recapture techniques at Hauturu/Little Barrier Island and from at-sea resightings of banded birds
Title | Population estimation of the New Zealand storm petrel (Fregetta maoriana) from mark-recapture techniques at Hauturu/Little Barrier Island and from at-sea resightings of banded birds |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2020 |
Authors | Rayner, MJ, Gaskin, CP, Taylor, GA, Tennyson, AJD, Fitzgerald, NB, Baird, KA, Friesen, MR, Ross, J, Ismar-Rebitz, SMH |
Journal | Notornis |
Volume | 67 |
Issue | 3 |
Pagination | 503-510 |
Type of Article | Full article |
Keywords | Fregetta, Hauturu, Little Barrier Island, New Zealand storm petrel, population estimate, spotlighting |
Abstract |
Between 2014 and 2018 a mark-recapture/ resighting study was conducted to ascertain the size of the population of New Zealand storm petrel (Fregatta maoriana) at their breeding grounds on Hauturu, Little Barrier Island, New Zealand. A total of 415 New Zealand storm petrels were captured and marked with individual colour bands using acoustic playback and night-time spotlighting on Hauturu. Two mark-recapture models were developed using the recaptures of banded birds on land and the at-sea resightings of banded birds attracted to burley on the Hauraki Gulf near Hauturu. The land- based model suggests a current population of 994 (range 446–2,116) individuals whereas the at-sea model suggests an estimate of 1,630 (range 624–3,758) individuals. The discrepancy between these models likely lies in the bias of on-land captures towards juvenile birds constituting >50% of birds caught. We consider the at-sea model most representative of total population size. Logistic population growth models anchored by on-land and at-sea population estimates suggest pre-rat eradication populations of New Zealand storm petrel of 323 and 788 individuals respectively.
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