Marine Matters
Xantus' Murrelet, Sythliboramphus hypolechus I: Status and Conservation

Jennifer E. Roth
Point Reyes Bird Observatory, Marine Science Division, 4990 Shoreline Hwy., Stinson Beach, CA 94970; 415-868-1221x22; jroth@prbo.org
William J. Sydeman
Point Reyes Bird Observatory, Marine Science Division, 4990 Shoreline Hwy., Stinson Beach, CA 94970; 415-868-1221x19; wjsydeman@prbo.org

Abstract
The worldwide population of Xantus' Murrelets is likely less than 10,000 birds. Breeding populations are restricted to offshore islands from Pt. Conception, California to Central Baja California, Mexico. The Xantus' Murrelet breeding population on Santa Barbara Island, California has been monitored since the early 1980s and appears to be declining. Xantus' Murrelets face many threats, both at-sea and in breeding colonies. Measures to protect and restore this sensitive species should be implemented, and more information on population size and foraging ecology should be gathered throughout the species' range.