CR

Pseudobulweria aterrima

Declining

Overview

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

Pseudobulweria aterrima faces severe threats from introduced predators, particularly cats and rats, which prey on eggs, chicks, and potentially adults at breeding colonies. Habitat degradation from human development and agricultural expansion has reduced available nesting sites on its limited island range. The species' extremely small population size makes it vulnerable to stochastic events and genetic bottlenecks that could drive it to extinction.

Threat summary

Habitat

This seabird breeds on remote oceanic islands, nesting in burrows or crevices on steep coastal cliffs and slopes. At sea, it forages in pelagic waters of the tropical and subtropical Pacific Ocean, feeding on squid and small fish near the surface.

MARINE· majorTERRESTRIAL· major

Conservation measures underway

Invasive/problematic species controlSpecies recoveryAwareness & communicationsLegislation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Pseudobulweria aterrima classified as Critically Endangered?
Pseudobulweria aterrima 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. Pseudobulweria aterrima faces severe threats from introduced predators, particularly cats and rats, which prey on eggs, chicks, and potentially adults at breeding colonies. Habitat degradation from human development and agricultural expansion has reduced available nesting sites on its limited island range. The species' extremely small population size makes it vulnerable to stochastic events and genetic bottlenecks that could drive it to extinction.
Where does Pseudobulweria aterrima live?
Pseudobulweria aterrima occurs in France, Mauritius, and Réunion. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Pseudobulweria aterrima?
The main threats to Pseudobulweria aterrima are 1.1, 5.4, 8.1, and 9.3.4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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