Fiji petrel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fiji petrel |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Pseudobulweria
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| Species: |
macgillivrayi
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| Synonyms | |
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The Fiji petrel (Pseudobulweria macgillivrayi), also known as MacGillivray's petrel, is a very rare seabird. It is a small, dark bird that flies over the ocean. This special bird is only found near Gau Island in Fiji.
About the Fiji Petrel
The Fiji petrel is about 30 centimeters (12 inches) long. It has dark, chocolate-colored feathers. Its eyes and beak are dark, and its feet have pale blue patches. While it is seen near Gau Island, it often flies far out into the open ocean. These areas are called "pelagic waters."
A Rare Discovery
The Fiji petrel was first known from only one young bird. This bird was found in 1855 on Gau Island by a naturalist named John MacGillivray. He was on a ship called HMS Herald. He took the bird to the British Museum in London. For many years, no one saw another Fiji petrel.
The bird was rediscovered in 1983. Since then, it has been seen only 21 more times. In April 1984, one adult bird was even caught and photographed.
Why Is It So Rare?
The Fiji petrel is listed as critically endangered. This means it is very close to disappearing forever. Scientists believe there are fewer than 50 of these birds left. They also think the birds only breed in a very small area. This makes them extremely vulnerable.
Protecting the Petrel
People on Gau Island know how rare and important this bird is. The Fiji petrel is even shown on a Fijian banknote. It was also once part of the logo for an airline called Air Fiji. The bird is protected by Fijian law.
In 1989, research in possible nesting areas was stopped. This was because scientists worried that their activities might accidentally lead cats to the birds' nests. Cats could harm the petrels.
In August 2007, a skin from an injured Fiji petrel was studied in Fiji. The bird had died from its injuries. In May 2009, the first photos of the bird flying over the sea were taken. This happened about 25 nautical miles (46 kilometers) south of Gau Island.
