A review of the distribution and size of prion (Pachyptila spp.) colonies throughout New Zealand: Tuhinga 27

Tuhinga 27: 56-80

ABSTRACT: Prions are among of the most numerous birds of the Southern Ocean, and yet their populations are poorly documented. New Zealand has breeding populations of four of the six recognised species, all with large population sizes. The remaining two species occur naturally in the New Zealand zone but do not breed there. This review reports data collated from the scientific literature, government archives and unpublished information about the population sizes of prions gathered since earliest scientific records in New Zealand (1773, during James Cook’s second voyage) until the present day. The study focuses on breeding populations, and reports data about population size and presence or absence of prion populations from sites throughout the New Zealand region. The summary presented provides a solid baseline for future population assessments and identifies priority sites where future surveys are warranted.

KEYWORDS: prions, Pachyptila, population sizes, population distribution, Procellariiformes, range, seabirds, New Zealand.