EFFECTS OF THE FIRST SOUTHERN ATLANTIC HURRICANE ON ATLANTIC PETRELS (PTERODROMA INCERTA)

Abstract

We report a massive inland displacement of petrels, particularly female Atlantic Petrels (Pterodroma incerta) in southern Brazil, after Hurricane Catarina, the first ever reported hurricane in the South Atlantic Ocean. At least 354 petrels were affected and were found in 26 different locations, up to 420 km from the coast and 1,100 m above sea level. Birds were in heavy molt and near starvation, which probably contributed to their displacement and mortality.