Pajaros Uno Island, La Higuera, Chile – Island Conservation is thrilled to announce a momentous achievement in the restoration of Pajaros Uno Island. After decades of absence, rare Peruvian Diving-Petrels, locally known as “yuncos,” have returned to nest on the island. These seabirds play a crucial role in the recovery of the entire ecosystem, and their return to the island less than a year after social attraction efforts began signals swift recovery.

The restoration project, initiated by Island Conservation in August 2020 and funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the Packard Foundation, aimed to eliminate invasive predators from Pajaros Uno Island. By December 2022, the island was declared predator-free, setting the stage for the return of native species. In November 2023, Island Conservation implemented a social attraction program, utilizing audio recordings of bird calls, to encourage the birds’ return. Island Conservation and partners had previously proven the success of this method on the nearby island of Chañaral.

Pajaros Uno Island, situated in front of Caleta Hornos in the commune of La Higuera, is an integral part of the Coquimbo Coastal System. This ecosystem, comprising seven islands and their surrounding waters, supports not only threatened and iconic seabird colonies but also serves as a vital habitat for migratory seabirds and marine mammals.

Prior to the restoration project, invasive rats on the island posed a significant threat to the Chilean seabird population. These predators were predating on the eggs and chicks of seabirds, disrupting the natural nutrient cycle.

Island Conservation’s Conservation Science Program Manager Coral Wolf shared how the interruption of this cycle can disrupt an entire ecosystem, stating, “Seabirds play a crucial role in depositing essential nutrients from the sea to the land through their guano, which has the potential to sustain reefs in the nearshore waters.”

During a recent monitoring visit, Island Conservation’s camera traps captured awe-inspiring photos of yuncos exploring the restored island. The installation of the first sound system playing recordings of bird calls on November 3 quickly yielded results, with the first yunco photo captured on November 16. This rapid recovery and the attraction of yuncos to the island demonstrate the accelerated impact of the restoration project.

With the absence of invasive predators, two yunco couples have a significant chance of becoming parents, as two natural burrows/crevices were discovered on the island.

“It was so thrilling to discover these nesting pairs so soon after the island was restored. We were preparing dinner and heard the Peruvian Diving-petrels’ call. We quickly took a GPS and a flashlight and ran towards the source of the sound while putting on our shoes. We couldn’t believe it when we found the burrows!” said María José Vilches, Island Restoration Specialist at Island Conservation. “Knowing these birds will be safe from predators gives me hope for the survival of the species!”

Pajaros Uno Island is home to multiple colonies of Chilean seabird species, making it a critical breeding ground. The 70-hectare island supports approximately 3,000 pairs of Peruvian Boobies, the largest population of Kelp Gull in northern Chile with around 2,000 pairs, and approximately 600 breeding pairs of the Vulnerable Humboldt Penguin.

Jose Luis Cabello, Island Conservation’s Head of Operations in Latin America, shared the project’s global significance, saying, “This project’s success will have huge implications for restoration work beginning in Peru. What we’ve learned about working in these ecosystems will help us restore islands along the entire Humboldt current—and we’ll be able to implement social attraction projects for the Peruvian Diving-petrels throughout the region!”

The return of the rare Peruvian Diving-Petrels to Pajaros Uno Island marks a major milestone in the restoration efforts led by Island Conservation. This achievement not only ensures the survival of these threatened birds but also contributes to the overall recovery of the ecosystem. This remarkable and speedy recovery is more evidence of the success of Island Conservation’s mission safeguarding biodiversity and securing a sustainable future for our planet.

Media contacts:
Sally Esposito, Island Conservation, Strategic Communications Director, sally.esposito@islandconservation.org
Bren Ram, Island Conservation, Communications Manager – Projects, bren.ram@islandconservation.org
Resources: Photos and videos (Credit Island Conservation), interviews available by request

Island Conservation envisions a world filled with vibrant biodiversity, resilient oceans, and thriving island communities. We are the only international non-profit conservation organization with the mission to restore islands for nature and people worldwide. Islands are special places that provide outsized returns on our conservation investments. Island Conservation is committed to holistic island-marine ecosystem restorations that combine efforts to improve community livelihoods and climate resiliency, manage invasive species, and reestablish native animals and plants. Learn more about us at www.islandconservation.org.

About the David and Lucile Packard Foundation: The Packard Foundation envisions a just and equitable world where people and nature flourish. We work with people and communities to create enduring solutions for just societies and a healthy, resilient natural world.
About the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation: Chartered by Congress in 1984, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) protects and restores the nation’s fish, wildlife, plants and habitats. Working with federal, corporate, foundation and individual partners, NFWF has funded more than 6,800 organizations and generated a total conservation impact of more than $10 billion. NFWF is an equal opportunity provider. Learn more at nfwf.org.