The Galapagos petrel is one of the six endemic marine birds in the Galapagos Islands. It nests in the high and humid areas of the islands of Santa Cruz, Santiago, Floreana, Isabela, and San Cristóbal. The Galapagos petrel is threatened by several species of introduced animals.

Seabirds are one of the most interesting and versatile groups of organisms in the Galapagos Islands. Their adaptability has allowed them to conquer a variety of habitats. In many cases, changes in population size indicate changes in ecosystems. One of the main problems affecting these bird populations (including endemic ones) is the presence of introduced mammals. Many of these alien species have been identified as the cause of predation and habitat destruction.

	The rapid population decline of this species in the last three generations has placed it on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, as 'critically endangered', a step away from becoming extinct.

San Cristóbal Island is home to one of the six endemic marine birds of the Galapagos Islands, the Galapagos petrel. It nests in the high parts of the island within the agricultural areas, which have been altered significantly by the presence of introduced plants.

The adult petrels, as well as the fledglings, chicks, and eggs are seriously threatened by rats, cats, dogs, and pigs. Other species such as goats, donkeys, and cattle destroy habitats and nests. Invasive introduced plants such as blackberries and lantana occupy large spaces preventing petrels from accessing their nesting places.

Currently, the Galapagos petrel is in danger of extinction according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and the Red Book of Birds of Ecuador.

Monitoring by the Directorate of the Galapagos National Park

In order to increase the number of protected areas and species, biological information regarding the phenology and reproductive success of the Galapagos petrel is collected on-site on San Cristóbal. Additionally, some areas where the reproductive cycle of the species develops are identified.

Through field observations at various sites where the reproductive activity of petrels takes place, the different stages of their reproductive phenology within the period of one year will be described. The potential predators that influence the reproductive success of the birds will also be identified. Additionally, observations will be made of their behavior during the reproductive cycle.

The previous data is several decades old, which is why it is imperative to handle more current information to more effectively direct conservation or protection strategies for the species.

More knowledge is required to protect the Galapagos petrel

	The biggest collapse of the Galapagos petrel population occurred on Santiago Island, where it fell from about 11,250 pairs to fewer than 500 pairs in two or three decades. The population has also declined significantly on other islands.

The efforts to control the dispersion and overpopulation of introduced species on different islands, supported by institutions like the National Park and the Charles Darwin Research Station are effective. However, in certain cases some locations with significant diversity are not integrated into the conservation or protection programs because of the lack of complete and recent information on biological, ethological, and ecological aspects.

The lack of strategies to protect these birds is mainly due to the limited current information on aspects of biology, pressures affecting populations, and areas used as nests.

Therefore, this research is oriented toward gathering information about the reproduction of the species and its behavior, habitat description, identification of main predators, as well as the drafting of current distribution maps using geographic information systems.