Peregrine falcon predation of endangered Laysan teal and Laysan Finches on remote Hawaiian atolls

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Abstract

We report the first records of Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) predation on endangered Laysan teal (or duck; Anas laysanensis) and predation on endangered Laysan finches (Telespiza cantans). At Midway Atoll, vagrant Peregrine falcons killed ≥4% of a newly translocated Laysan teal population in 2006 and ≥2% in 2008. On Laysan Island during 2008–2009, remains of >76 Laysan finches (<1% of the population) were found at peregrine perches. On Midway Atoll, all depredated Laysan teal and other seabirds were recovered at kill sites on tarmac (runways). If the frequency or duration of vagrant raptors visitation increases at small atolls, this could pose a mortality risk to consider, especially during proposed translocations of endangered species. Vegetation restoration of abandoned runways near wetlands at Midway Atoll would provide cover and may help reduce mortality of endangered species due to vagrant raptors.

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype State or Local Government Series
Title Peregrine falcon predation of endangered Laysan teal and Laysan Finches on remote Hawaiian atolls
Series number HCSU-065
Volume 65
Year Published 2015
Language English
Publisher University of Hawaii at Hilo
Publisher location Hilo, HI
Contributing office(s) Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center
Description iii, 13 p.
Larger Work Title HCSU Technical Report Series
First page 1
Last page 13
Country United States
Other Geospatial Laysan Island, Midway atoll
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
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