Peruvian Diving Petrel population recovers on Choros Island

Conservationists in Peru have overseen a massive population recovery of the Peruvian Diving Petrel, a seabird species.

Researchers conducted a census in November 2024 on Choros Island, the primary breeding site for the birds. They estimated that 89,876 breeding pairs now live on the island. This number represents a 300-fold recovery over 44 years from a low of 300 pairs in 1980.

The recovery followed conservation measures started in the 1990s, including habitat protection and the removal of the European Rabbit. These actions allowed the birds to expand their breeding habitat and consolidate nesting patches.