LUZARDO, J., LÓPEZ-DARIAS, M., SUÁREZ, V., CALABUIG, P., GARCÍA, E.A. & MARTÍN, C. 2008. First breeding population of Bulwer’s Petrel Bulweria bulwerii recorded on Gran Canaria (Canary Islands)—population size and morphometric data. Marine Ornithology 36: 159–162.

 

This contribution reports the discovery of the first breeding population of Bulwer’s Petrel Bulweria bulwerii on Gran Canaria (Canary Islands) after a five-year study (2002–2006). The breeding site (27.83°N, 15.78°W) was situated on cliffs along the southwest coast of the island, between Mogán and Veneguera. The population was roughly estimated to be 2051 ± 2010 birds (based on 2005 data) or 689 ± 267 birds (based on 2006 data) using CAPTURE software. Mean adult measurements were consistent with the biometrics from other Atlantic colonies. Predation by introduced mammals and light pollution on the island could pose a serious threat for this little-known breeding population.

 

Key words: Bulwer’s Petrel, Bulweria bulwerii, distribution, Gran Canaria