Puffinus newelli

Taxonomy

Assessment Information

Geographic Range

Population

Habitat and Ecology

Threats

Conservation Actions

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Taxonomy [top]

Kingdom	Phylum	Class	Order	Family
ANIMALIA	CHORDATA	AVES	PROCELLARIIFORMES	PROCELLARIIDAE

Scientific Name:

Puffinus newelli

Species Authority:

Henshaw, 1900

Common Name/s:

English

–

Newell's Shearwater, Newell’s Shearwater

Assessment Information [top]

Red List Category & Criteria:

Endangered A2bce+3bce+4bce ver 3.1

Year Assessed:

2010

Assessor/s:

BirdLife International

Reviewer/s:

Bird, J., Butchart, S. & Calvert, R.

Contributor/s:

Ainley, D., Holmes, T., Pimm, S., Pratt, H., Telfer, T. & Wilson, A.

Justification:
This species appears to have declined very rapidly on its main breeding island, possibly associated with the impacts of Hurricane Iniki in 1992, and continues to decline, with two colonies known of in the early 1980s, and possibly a third, now abandoned. Combined with longer term declines owing to a number of other threats, it qualifies as Endangered.

History:

2008	–	Endangered
2007	–	Endangered
2006	–	Endangered
2004	–	Endangered
2000	–	Vulnerable
1994	–	Vulnerable

Geographic Range [top]

Range Description:	Puffinus newelli nests principally on the mountains of Kaua`i, but small colonies exist on Moloka`i and Hawai`i, and possibly also on O'ahu, Maui, Lana`i and Lehua Islet (near Ni`ihau) in the Hawaiian Islands (USA)^2,3,19. There is evidence from radar observations that the species may be present on Maui, possibly being most common in western Maui¹⁶. Estimates from pelagic surveys in the mid-1990s indicated c.84,000 birds (95% CI: 57,000-115, 000), from which the breeding population is estimated at 16,700-19,300 pairs¹². On Kaua`i, estimates range from the low thousands⁸ to c.15,000 breeding pairs¹. The species has undergone rapid historical declines and has been declining steadily on Kaua`i since 1992 (despite the fact that scattered colonies are regularly discovered¹), with the most up-to-date information indicating a sudden drop in numbers¹³. Radar data from 13 sites indicate a significant (60-62%) decline between 1993 and 1999-2001 in numbers visiting Kaua`i^6,14, while recoveries of stranded young birds showed a 72% decline between 1993 and 2001¹⁴. The decline appears to be associated with the impact of Hurricane Iniki in autumn 1992⁴, although mitigation measures against the effects of lights may have contributed in part to the decline in stranded juveniles¹⁴. Population models incorporating best estimates of breeding effort and success yielded a population decline of 3.2% annually²⁰. When variables estimating the anthropogenic mortality suffered by the species (predation, light attraction, and collision) were included, these models predicted a population decline of 30-60% over 10 years²⁰. As well as a decline in numbers, the breeding range may also be contracting potentially as a result of habitat modification by non-native plant species²³. Combining this with longer term declines owing to habitat loss, introduced predators, disorientation owing to urban lighting and collision with power-lines, the species is estimated to be declining at rates exceeding 50% over 47 years (three generations). .
Countries:	Native: United States; United States Vagrant: American Samoa; Australia Present - origin uncertain: French Southern Territories (the); Kiribati; United States Minor Outlying Islands
Range Map:	Click here to open the map viewer and explore range.

Population [top]

Population:	There is a pelagic estimate of 84,000 individuals (95% CI: 57,000 - 115, 000) and from this the breeding population is estimated at 16,700-19,300 pairs (Spear et al. 1995).
Population Trend:	Decreasing

Habitat and Ecology [top]

Habitat and Ecology:	It breeds at 160-1,200 m, apparently exhibiting habitat segregation from the Wedge-tailed Shearwater P. pacificus which is confined to lower altitudes². It usually nests in burrows associated with the root structure of trees, including Ohia lehua Metrosideros polymorpha, and a dominant understory of densely matted uluhe fern Dicranopteris linearis in montane mesic forests on steep slopes^2,18, although a minority nest in tussock-grass³. Prior to the introduction of non-native predators, its nesting habitat was not restricted by the gradient of the slope². The breeding season begins in April, when birds return to prospect for nest sites and, following an exodus in late April, egg-laying in early June is highly synchronised¹⁹. Pairs produce one egg, which is incubated for an average of 53-54 days, followed by a fledging period of 81-94 days¹⁹. Most young fledge by November²¹. The species's diet is not well known, although it is likely to consist of fish and squid²¹. It forages for hundreds of kilometres offshore, often in large, mixed species flocks associated with schools of large, predatory fish that drive prey species to the ocean surface^19,21. The age at first breeding is likely to be around six or seven years²¹.
Systems:	Terrestrial; Marine

Habitat and Ecology:

It breeds at 160-1,200 m, apparently exhibiting habitat segregation from the Wedge-tailed Shearwater P. pacificus which is confined to lower altitudes². It usually nests in burrows associated with the root structure of trees, including Ohia lehua Metrosideros polymorpha, and a dominant understory of densely matted uluhe fern Dicranopteris linearis in montane mesic forests on steep slopes^2,18, although a minority nest in tussock-grass³. Prior to the introduction of non-native predators, its nesting habitat was not restricted by the gradient of the slope². The breeding season begins in April, when birds return to prospect for nest sites and, following an exodus in late April, egg-laying in early June is highly synchronised¹⁹. Pairs produce one egg, which is incubated for an average of 53-54 days, followed by a fledging period of 81-94 days¹⁹. Most young fledge by November²¹. The species's diet is not well known, although it is likely to consist of fish and squid²¹. It forages for hundreds of kilometres offshore, often in large, mixed species flocks associated with schools of large, predatory fish that drive prey species to the ocean surface^19,21. The age at first breeding is likely to be around six or seven years²¹.

Systems:

Terrestrial; Marine

Threats [top]

Major Threat(s):	On Kaua`i, hurricanes Iwa and Iniki devastated the forests in 1982 and 1992^2,11 and, since the latter, the species's population has been declining¹³. Given that a large proportion of the population breeds on Kaua`i, catastrophic events, like hurricanes, are a serious threat²¹. Subsequent and ongoing habitat modification by alien invasive plant species, such as strawberry guava Psidium cattleianum, and feral pigs and goats, pose a significant threat^19,21,23. This is likely to be a contributing factor at one known colony abandonment¹⁸. The recent establishment of the two-spotted leafhopper Sophonia rufifascia, which feeds on D. linearis, could be a further problem⁵. Predation (e.g. by cats, rats, dogs, Barn Owls Tyto alba and pigs) is an additional threat^3,19,21. Predation of adults and juveniles by cats has been documented on Kaua`i, and rats are assumed to take eggs and chicks¹⁹. Another potential predator, the small Asian mongoose Herpestes javanicus, has recently been discovered on Kaua`i¹⁹. An estimated 70 adults and 280 subadults each summer, and at least 340 fledglings each autumn, die as a result of collisions with power-lines and communications towers, or indirectly because of light attraction^9,22. Birds attracted by artificial lighting become exhausted and fall to the ground. Once on the ground, fledglings are unable to fly and many are killed by cars or cats and dogs, and some die from starvation or dehydration²¹. Between 1978 and 1981, more than 5,000 individuals were grounded on Kaua`i, and over 30,000 have been recovered since 1979²². On Kaua`i, approximately 1,500 fledglings are recovered annually after becoming grounded²¹. Nine communications towers have recently been constructed on the Hawaiian islands without proper consultation, and these are now the subject of an ongoing lawsuit²². A field of wind generators is planned for Lana`i¹⁷, where the species potentially breeds, although this is thought to be unlikely¹⁸. On Hawai`i, cinder mining has resulted in habitat loss at several colonies²¹. The species may suffer indirect impacts from the over-fishing of tuna Thunnus species, which drive prey species to the ocean surface^19,21. This could have implications for the energetic costs of foraging, with potential impacts on chick growth and fledging success^19,21. Fledglings have been found with pox lesions, suggesting that disease may be affecting breeding populations²¹.

Major Threat(s):

On Kaua`i, hurricanes Iwa and Iniki devastated the forests in 1982 and 1992^2,11 and, since the latter, the species's population has been declining¹³. Given that a large proportion of the population breeds on Kaua`i, catastrophic events, like hurricanes, are a serious threat²¹. Subsequent and ongoing habitat modification by alien invasive plant species, such as strawberry guava Psidium cattleianum, and feral pigs and goats, pose a significant threat^19,21,23. This is likely to be a contributing factor at one known colony abandonment¹⁸. The recent establishment of the two-spotted leafhopper Sophonia rufifascia, which feeds on D. linearis, could be a further problem⁵. Predation (e.g. by cats, rats, dogs, Barn Owls Tyto alba and pigs) is an additional threat^3,19,21. Predation of adults and juveniles by cats has been documented on Kaua`i, and rats are assumed to take eggs and chicks¹⁹. Another potential predator, the small Asian mongoose Herpestes javanicus, has recently been discovered on Kaua`i¹⁹. An estimated 70 adults and 280 subadults each summer, and at least 340 fledglings each autumn, die as a result of collisions with power-lines and communications towers, or indirectly because of light attraction^9,22. Birds attracted by artificial lighting become exhausted and fall to the ground. Once on the ground, fledglings are unable to fly and many are killed by cars or cats and dogs, and some die from starvation or dehydration²¹. Between 1978 and 1981, more than 5,000 individuals were grounded on Kaua`i, and over 30,000 have been recovered since 1979²². On Kaua`i, approximately 1,500 fledglings are recovered annually after becoming grounded²¹. Nine communications towers have recently been constructed on the Hawaiian islands without proper consultation, and these are now the subject of an ongoing lawsuit²². A field of wind generators is planned for Lana`i¹⁷, where the species potentially breeds, although this is thought to be unlikely¹⁸. On Hawai`i, cinder mining has resulted in habitat loss at several colonies²¹. The species may suffer indirect impacts from the over-fishing of tuna Thunnus species, which drive prey species to the ocean surface^19,21. This could have implications for the energetic costs of foraging, with potential impacts on chick growth and fledging success^19,21. Fledglings have been found with pox lesions, suggesting that disease may be affecting breeding populations²¹.

Conservation Actions [top]

Conservation Actions:	Conservation Actions Underway In the late 1970s, a cross-fostering experiment was carried out at Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, in which 90 P. newelli eggs were placed in P. pacificus nests²². Subsequently, 30 young were fledged, and the four breeding pairs currently nesting there are believed to be descendents of fostered birds²². Colony calls are being played and artificial burrows constructed to attract more nesting pairs to the refuge, where there is a low threat from collisions with artificial structures, and measures are being put in place to control alien species²². There is an active programme to control lights, and disorientated fledglings are recovered and released, although few of these birds have subsequently been recovered¹⁹. Lighting on some buildings has been designed to reduce collisions². A ruling brought by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2006, under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, has enforced a campaign running since 2005, in which all non-essential lights on Kaua`i are required to be turned off or shielded between 15 September and 15 December when young birds leave their nests¹⁵. The island's electricity company is helping by darkening all of its 3,000 street lights, and shielding or turning some of them off. The company has also fitted large balls to power-lines in an effort to reduce the number of birds that collide with the cables¹⁵. Significant improvements have been made in reducing light attraction and collision¹⁸. However, there is still a considerable amount of developing and existing infrastructure that needs to be modified. It is not expected that the threat posed by artificial lighting will ever be eliminated¹⁸. There is an ongoing programme to identify new colonies suitable for terrestrial conservation efforts (predator control, habitat restoration), further refine ornithological radar and other monitoring methods^19,21. Conservation Actions Proposed Reduce collisions with power-lines by making them more visible, burying them or moving them further inland where birds fly higher⁵. Study the affects of artificial lights on the species²¹. Ensure lighting does not attract petrels². Control predators at a minimum of two colonies^2,18. Carry out further research into the causes of the decline on Kaua`i¹⁴. Use radar observations to monitor population trends^19,21. Conduct long-term demographic studies²¹. Develop methods to monitor breeding success^19,21. Continue to retrieve grounded birds¹⁸. Continue to search for additional breeding areas^19,21. Carry out further research into foraging range and feeding behaviour^19,21. Initiate studies into the potential effects of the tuna fishery on the species's populations, perhaps by modelling interactions^19,21. Develop methods to evaluate the survival rates of released birds, and test alternative rehabilitation practices if required¹⁹.

Conservation Actions:

Conservation Actions Underway
In the late 1970s, a cross-fostering experiment was carried out at Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, in which 90 P. newelli eggs were placed in P. pacificus nests²². Subsequently, 30 young were fledged, and the four breeding pairs currently nesting there are believed to be descendents of fostered birds²². Colony calls are being played and artificial burrows constructed to attract more nesting pairs to the refuge, where there is a low threat from collisions with artificial structures, and measures are being put in place to control alien species²². There is an active programme to control lights, and disorientated fledglings are recovered and released, although few of these birds have subsequently been recovered¹⁹. Lighting on some buildings has been designed to reduce collisions². A ruling brought by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2006, under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, has enforced a campaign running since 2005, in which all non-essential lights on Kaua`i are required to be turned off or shielded between 15 September and 15 December when young birds leave their nests¹⁵. The island's electricity company is helping by darkening all of its 3,000 street lights, and shielding or turning some of them off. The company has also fitted large balls to power-lines in an effort to reduce the number of birds that collide with the cables¹⁵. Significant improvements have been made in reducing light attraction and collision¹⁸. However, there is still a considerable amount of developing and existing infrastructure that needs to be modified. It is not expected that the threat posed by artificial lighting will ever be eliminated¹⁸. There is an ongoing programme to identify new colonies suitable for terrestrial conservation efforts (predator control, habitat restoration), further refine ornithological radar and other monitoring methods^19,21.

Conservation Actions Proposed
Reduce collisions with power-lines by making them more visible, burying them or moving them further inland where birds fly higher⁵. Study the affects of artificial lights on the species²¹. Ensure lighting does not attract petrels². Control predators at a minimum of two colonies^2,18. Carry out further research into the causes of the decline on Kaua`i¹⁴. Use radar observations to monitor population trends^19,21. Conduct long-term demographic studies²¹. Develop methods to monitor breeding success^19,21. Continue to retrieve grounded birds¹⁸. Continue to search for additional breeding areas^19,21. Carry out further research into foraging range and feeding behaviour^19,21. Initiate studies into the potential effects of the tuna fishery on the species's populations, perhaps by modelling interactions^19,21. Develop methods to evaluate the survival rates of released birds, and test alternative rehabilitation practices if required¹⁹.

Citation:	BirdLife International 2010. Puffinus newelli. In: IUCN 2011. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2011.2. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 09 February 2012.
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