CR

Pterodroma magentae

Increasing

Overview

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

The Magenta Petrel faces severe threats from introduced predators, particularly cats and rats, which prey on eggs, chicks, and potentially adults at breeding sites. Habitat degradation from grazing livestock and invasive plant species has reduced suitable nesting areas on Chatham Island. The species' extremely small population size makes it vulnerable to stochastic events and genetic bottlenecks, while climate change poses additional risks to its marine foraging areas and breeding habitat.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Magenta Petrel breeds exclusively on Chatham Island, New Zealand, nesting in burrows within coastal forest and scrubland areas. At sea, it forages in the surrounding Southern Ocean waters, likely feeding on squid and small fish in pelagic marine environments.

Forest· majorMarine neritic· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionInvasive/problematic species controlSpecies recoveryEx-situ conservation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Pterodroma magentae classified as Critically Endangered?
Pterodroma magentae 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 Magenta Petrel faces severe threats from introduced predators, particularly cats and rats, which prey on eggs, chicks, and potentially adults at breeding sites. Habitat degradation from grazing livestock and invasive plant species has reduced suitable nesting areas on Chatham Island. The species' extremely small population size makes it vulnerable to stochastic events and genetic bottlenecks, while climate change poses additional risks to its marine foraging areas and breeding habitat.
Where does Pterodroma magentae live?
Pterodroma magentae occurs in New Zealand. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Pterodroma magentae?
The main threats to Pterodroma magentae are 11.1, 11.4, 2.3, and 5.1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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