The spectacled petrel (Procellaria conspicillata ) is a rare seabird that nests only on the high western plateau of Inaccessible Island in the South Atlantic Tristan da Cunha group. It is one of the largest petrels that nests in burrows. This species was formerly considered to be a subspecies of the white-chinned petrel (Procellaria aequinoctialis ).
The spectacled petrel is a large, approximately 55 cm (22 in) in length, predominately black petrel. It does have white bands around its eyes, and its bill is yellow. Their lifespan averages 26.4 years.
The spectacled petrel is pelagic and forages over a broad band of the south Atlantic Ocean between 30° and 50° south. Its range extends from southern Brazil in the west across to southern Africa in the east. It only breeds on Inaccessible Island which is part of the Tristan da Cunha archipelago in the South Atlantic. The spectacled petrel may have also once bred on Amsterdam Island in the south Indian Ocean.
The spectacled petrel eats cephalopods, fish, and crustaceans.
Spectacled petrels breed in burrows on the western plateau of Inaccessible Island. The birds dig the burrows in the banks of streams and in boggy areas. The clutch is a single white egg with an average size of 81 mm × 55 mm (3.2 in × 2.2 in) and a weight of 130 g (4.6 oz).
The species was classified as critically endangered by the IUCN in 2000. A subsequent study gave cautious hope for a continuing recovery of the population from an all-time low of merely some dozens of pairs in the 1930s. Indeed, it appears as if the species' numbers have been underestimated in more recent years as an accurate census is difficult due to the rugged terrain of its island home. Consequently, the conservation status of this species was downgraded to vulnerable in the 2007 IUCN Red List. The 2009 assessment maintained their status at vulnerable.This petrel has an occurrence range of 9,670,000 km2 (3,730,000 sq mi) and a population estimated at between 31,000 and 45,000. Their population is trending up at between 1% and 9% over 60 years, and possibly 45% over the last five years.
The spectacled petrel is threatened by interactions with longline fisheries which kills hundreds of birds every year as they become entangled in the fishing lines and drown.
The spectacled petrel is listed on CMS Appendix II and ACAP Annex 1. A census was conducted in 2004, and Inaccessible Island is a World Heritage Site, with restricted access. To help the species, other conservation measures have been proposed. Conducting surveys of the breeding population as an ongoing process. Pushing for adoption of the best-practice mitigation measures in fisheries within this birds range, utilizing organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, and International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas. Restricting access to prevent colonization of introduced species. Finally, looking for other breeding locations.
