Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L00775:reg:18:p63
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L00775
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 18 (pt 63/152)
Character Range: 214093–217047

effect on breeding success.

Recommended Management Actions
      Gain an improved understanding of the at sea distribution in Australia

Species profiles

White-necked Petrel (Pterodroma cervicalis)

Life History and Distribution
The White-necked Petrel (Pterodroma cervicalis) is a large grey-white petrel with a distinctive white hindneck collar and a black cap that extends below the eyes. The species breeds on Macauley Island in the Kermadec Islands, New Zealand, with a second small colony on Phillip Island, off Norfolk Island (Priddel et al. 2010). It formally bred on Raoul Island, also in the Kermadec Islands, early in the 20th century (Taylor 2000). Two birds were found on Raoul Island in 2005 and 2006 covered in seed-burrs, possibly prospecting (Gaskin 2011). The rare sub-species occulta breeds in small numbers on Vanua Lava, Vanuatu (Totterman 2009). On Phillip Island (subspecies occulta), it is a summer breeder. Birds come ashore as early as 11 November, but lay eggs in January (Priddel et al. 2010). Birds nesting on Phillip Island differ from the population on Macauley by nesting among boulders and in crevices in rocky habitat with sparse understorey, below a canopy of mature White Oaks (Lagunaria patersonia) that provide concealment from avian predators (Priddel et al. 2010). It has also been known to nest in artificial cavities. On Phillip Island, the only known nests are at the top of Long Valley, but other areas have potential nest sites (Priddel et al. 2010). It migrates to the tropical and sub-tropical north Pacific Ocean (Spear et al. 1992) with recent sightings in Hawaiian waters (BirdLife International 2019). It feeds mainly on squid (Heather and Robertson 1997).

Population Estimates and Trends
The global population is estimated at 150,000 individuals (BirdLife International 2019). The Macauley Island population was estimated to be around 50,000 pairs in 1988 and possibly increasing (Veitch et al. 2004). The population on Phillip Island is estimated at 10–100 pairs (Priddel et al. 2010). In 2018, 35 active burrows were found where it is thought the species is expanding (N. Carlile pers. comm). This species qualifies as Vulnerable under IUCN criteria because it has a very small range, on two or three very small islands, and it is therefore susceptible to stochastic events and human impacts.

Conservation Concerns and Actions
The primary threat faced by this species is invasive mammals. Rabbit overgrazing led to considerable erosion on Phillip Island, and their eradication appeared to enable White-necked Petrel to recolonise the suitable areas of the island. Domestic Pigs contributed considerably to the degradation of Phillip Island and may have previously impacted the species on Norfolk Island.

Species profiles

Cats are likely to have been responsible, along with Brown Rat, for the extirpation of the species on Raoul Island.