Pterodroma phaeopygia
CR

Pterodroma phaeopygia

Declining

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gal%C3%A1pagos_petrel

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Galápagos Petrel faces severe threats from introduced predators, particularly cats, rats, and pigs that destroy nests and kill adults, chicks, and eggs. Light pollution from human settlements disrupts the nocturnal behavior of fledglings, causing them to become disoriented and crash into artificial lights rather than heading to sea. Climate change and El Niño events alter marine food webs, reducing prey availability during critical breeding periods.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic seabird nests exclusively in highland areas of the Galápagos Islands, creating burrows in soft volcanic soil among native vegetation at elevations between 200-1,600 meters. During non-breeding periods, it forages in pelagic waters of the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, often far from the islands.

MARINE· majorTERRESTRIAL· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionInvasive/problematic species controlSpecies managementSpecies recoveryAwareness & communicationsLegislation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Pterodroma phaeopygia classified as Critically Endangered?
Pterodroma phaeopygia is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. The Galápagos Petrel faces severe threats from introduced predators, particularly cats, rats, and pigs that destroy nests and kill adults, chicks, and eggs. Light pollution from human settlements disrupts the nocturnal behavior of fledglings, causing them to become disoriented and crash into artificial lights rather than heading to sea. Climate change and El Niño events alter marine food webs, reducing prey availability during critical breeding periods.
Where does Pterodroma phaeopygia live?
Pterodroma phaeopygia occurs in Ecuador, and Peru. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Pterodroma phaeopygia?
The main threats to Pterodroma phaeopygia are 11.1, 2.1, 2.3, and 8.1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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