Gould's petrel

Gould's petrel is a captivating seabird belonging to the Procellariidae family, named in honor of the English ornithologist John Gould. This petite gadfly petrel is easily recognizable by its striking white and dark brown/grey plumage, long slender wings, and dark-colored head. There are two subspecies of Gould's petrel: one that breeds in Australia and another in New Caledonia. These birds spend most of their lives gliding over the ocean, only coming ashore to breed.

Breeding colonies are scattered across various islands. The Australian subspecies faced a significant decline in population due to threats such as sticky fruit, predators, and habitat degradation. However, conservation efforts on Cabbage Tree Island, such as removing threats and relocating chicks, have led to a remarkable recovery. As a result, the Australian subspecies is now classified as vulnerable, with its population on the rise. Conversely, the New Caledonian subspecies is experiencing a population decrease and is also listed as vulnerable, mainly due to its restricted breeding range.

Gould's petrels face several threats, including feral predators, wildfires, and invasive species at their breeding sites. Fortunately, they are not directly affected by long-line fishing practices. Nevertheless, there is still much to learn about their diet, breeding habits, and foraging behavior. Conservation efforts have successfully mitigated threats to the Australian subspecies, but the New Caledonian subspecies continues to face significant challenges. Ongoing research is crucial to understanding and addressing the threats these seabirds encounter to ensure their long-term survival.