Notes on the Phoenix Petrel (Pterodroma alba) from Hatuta'a Island, Marquesas

The Phoenix Petrel (Pterodroma alba) is classified as Endangered and its population is declining on most of its breeding islands. However, the exact population size is not clearly known and data are sometimes old and inaccurate, such as for the Marquesas Archipelago, French Polynesia. Hatuta'a Island, Marquesas, was visited for three days in March 2007 to determine whether P. alba was still breeding on this island. The population size was estimated to be more than 200 pairs, compared with the one individual seen 20 years ago. Thus, Hatuta'a's importance for bird conservation in the region has increased.