Diablotin Pterodroma hasitata : a biography of the endangered Black-capped Petrel

Abstract

The Black-capped Petrel (Pterodroma hasitata), once believed extinct throughout much of the 20th century, is now critically endangered, with breeding populations confined to Hispaniola and possibly Cuba after being extirpated from islands such as Martinique and Jamaica. With an estimated population of only 500 breeding pairs, it faces threats including introduced predators, human exploitation, habitat loss, mercury contamination, and collisions with illuminated structures. Its primary foraging areas are in the Florida Current and Gulf Stream between Florida and Virginia, with smaller foraging sites reported near Cuba. Given its ongoing decline and vulnerability, recommended conservation measures include protecting and monitoring breeding sites, educating local communities, restoring its historical name “Diablotin,” and conducting genetic and satellite tracking studies to develop more effective conservation strategies.