Petrels Return: Sound Lures Seabirds Back to Chilean Island

In early 2024, a remarkable conservation success unfolded on Chañaral Island, Chile, with the discovery of four active natural nests of the Peruvian diving petrel. This marked the first time in over four decades that these seabirds had naturally nested on the island. The return of the petrels is closely linked to efforts that declared Chañaral Island free of invasive rabbits in late 2017, following a multi-year eradication program led by Chile's National Forestry Corporation (CONAF) and Island Conservation.

Chañaral Island was once a vital habitat for the world's largest colonies of Peruvian diving petrels, but invasive rabbits and foxes decimated their numbers. While foxes preyed on the birds, rabbits destroyed the nesting vegetation. After foxes were eliminated decades ago, the rabbits persisted, hindering petrel nesting.

To accelerate the petrels' return, a social attraction project was initiated in September 2019. This project involved installing artificial burrows and solar-powered audio devices that broadcasted the petrels' calls. The strategy proved highly effective, as park ranger Cristian Rivera noted the petrels arrived within days of the speakers being activated. Motion-sensing cameras confirmed regular visits, and within three years, natural burrows were documented, including the first chick seen in 40 years, announced in February 2023.

The presence of four active nests, including chicks and a fledgling, in early 2024 is a testament to these conservation interventions. Notably, areas without the audio systems showed no signs of petrel activity, underscoring the crucial role of the sound lures. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has since updated the species' status from endangered to near threatened, reflecting this positive conservation trend.