Wedge-tailed Shearwaters at Raine Island, Great Barrier Reef: population estimate and breeding status

The breeding activities of Wedge-tailed Shearwaters at Raine Island, in the far northern section of the Great Barrier Reef, have not been quantified to date. In December 1995, 58 per cent of burrows inspected with a 'burrowscope' were occupied, 52 per cent with incubation or a chick, so approximately half of the estimated 3 661 burrows were likely to be active, breeding burrows. There appeared to be a locational preference for nesting on the western end of the island. Breeding rates on Raine Island were similar to those of the principal Great Barrier Reef Wedge-tailed Shearwater colonies of the Capricorn Group of islands