Characterization of an extinct seabird colony on the island of Santa Luzia (Cabo Verde) and its potential for future recolonizations

Islands worldwide have suffered seabird extinctions after the arrival of humans and alien species they introduced. On Santa Luzia (Cabo Verde), an uninhabited island 35 km2, presence impressive quantity petrel bones in coastal dunes suggested previous existence important colony. Yet, these remains had not been identified no reported for island. This paper characterizes extinct colony discusses chronology possible causes its demise. A total 130 grid points a 5 km2 area 38 supplementary within outside main study were excavated to collect bone remains. 1318 anatomical elements, as White-faced Storm Petrel Pelagodroma marina eadesorum (85.3% minimum number individuals, MNI), Boyd’s Shearwater Puffinus lherminieri boydi (11.8% MNI) Cape Verde Hydrobates jabejabe (2.9% found 18% sampling points, 1.25 km2. Neither two former currently breeds on Luzia. In addition, Calonectris edwardsii Pterodroma sp. detected points. Radiocarbon dating (n = 10) 13) suggests that probably went during first half twentieth century. The recent extinction might be consequent their domestic animals We estimate populations must at least hundreds thousand strong, far larger than current same Cabo Verde. suggest that, following feral cat eradication, has significant potential restoration.