Leach’s storm petrel (Hydrobates leucorhous), one of six pelagic surface species within the scope of the project, are being instrumented with GLS loggers at 7 SEATRACK localities.
The Leach’s storm petrel was added as a SEATRACK species in phase 3 of the programme. The first GLS loggers were deployed in 2023.
This species has a large distribution range but is most abundant in the Northern Hemisphere. The largest colony is located on Baccalieu Island in Canada, one of the SEATRACK locations. Latest estimates suggest a decline in the global population, and thus this species was classified as “vulnerable” by the IUCN.
Leach’s storm petrels are small seabirds in the tubenose family. They breed in shallow burrows on offshore islands and along slopes, often among rocks. Around the breeding area, they are exclusively night-active to avoid predation by gulls. They feed on a variety of prey including small fish, crustaceans and squids which are caught near the surface.
Featured image: Tycho Anker-Nilssen.
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