D’Arros shearwater colony grew nearly 10-fold after rats were eradicated
D'Arros Island's Wedge-tailed Shearwater population rose dramatically after rats were eradicated in 2003. Researchers recorded 2,768 breeding pairs in 2016 and 2,406 pairs in 2021. The colony spread across a larger area and exhibited higher breeding burrow density during later surveys. The study utilized direct counts and area-based estimates to determine breeding pair numbers. Identifying the peak incubation period in November was crucial for future population comparisons.
