Facts about Chatham petrel/ranguru
John Adams checking the band on a
Chatham Petrel
The Chatham petrel is a medium-sized grey, white and black petrel with a distinctive dark 'M' pattern across the spread upper-wings. They have a wingspan of up to 70cm and weigh around 200g.
Finds of subfossil Chatham petrel bones from around the Chatham Islands indicate that Chatham petrels were once widespread on the islands and were one of the more abundant burrowing seabirds. By 1900 the breeding range of the Chatham petrel was confined to forested areas on 241ha Rangatira Island and until recently this remained the sole breeding site.
The population is estimated to be about 1,000 birds with 100-130 breeding pairs being actively managed since 1999 in an effort to increase productivity.
A single white egg is laid in December and chicks fledge in May-June.
Where Chatham petrels feed and disperse to over winter is currently unknown.
Contacts
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Sick or injured wildlife
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