Breeding Distribution and Population Status of the Northern Giant Petrel Macronectes Halli and Southern Giant Petrel M Giganteus

Abstract

Compilation of existing population data through the 1999/2000 season for Northern Giant Petrels Macronectes halli and Southern Giant Petrels M. giganteus indicates that the total breeding population of Northern Giant Petrels is approximately 11 210 pairs, an increase of 30% since an earlier estimate.The total breeding population for Southern Giant Petrels is currently estimated at 30 575 breeding pairs, with strong local-scale variability in population trends.Limitations to the data used in the current synthesis would indicate that current population estimates should be regarded as conservative.