Bermuda petrel  (Pterodroma cahow)

The Bermuda petrel was thought to be extinct for nearly 300 years, following the catastrophic effects of introducing pigs, dogs, rats and cats to the islands during the 1500s and 1600s (6). It had also been hunted and much of its habitat has been lost (2). It was rediscovered in the early 1900s and although it is recovering, the population increase is slowed by competition for nest sites from white-tailed tropicbirds, Phaethon lepturus. Other threats are diverse, including light pollution from an airport and a NASA tracking station hindering the courtship flight of the Bermuda petrel, which takes place at night, as well as consistent sea-level rise and flooding of breeding sites (2).

The rediscovery of the Bermuda petrel prompted concerted conservation efforts for this species and since 1961 breeding sites have been managed and artificial burrows created. Regular rat control and removal of white-tailed tropicbirds from nest sites are ongoing. The Bermuda Conservation Programme has reforested previous breeding islands with native plants in the hope of attracting nesting Bermuda petrels. It occurs on Castle Harbour Islands which are a National Park and it will soon be introduced to Nonsuch Island Living Museum in the hope of establishing a breeding colony (2).