The ‘Critically Endangered’ Fiji Petrel Pseudobulweria macgillivrayi is believed to breed only on
the island of Gau, Fiji, but its nesting grounds have yet to be located. Until a bird was captured in
1984, the species was known from only a single museum specimen (collected in 1855), one
sighting on land (in 1965) and four unverified sightings at sea (1964–65). Local knowledge of the
Fiji Petrel is restricted to a few lines of a traditional lullaby. In this paper we collate and review
all records of the species, and examine all known attempts to locate nesting sites. Since 1985
there have been 15 reports of sightings on land and six at sea. Two additional specimens, both
pre-breeding adults, have been obtained. Although our knowledge of this elusive species is
slowly increasing, the timing of the breeding cycle remains uncertain, making the search for
nesting sites particularly challenging. Known potential threats on Gau include predation by
introduced cats, rats and pigs. We detail recent conservation efforts and prescribe some new
initiatives, including the use of sniffer dogs. Locating the nesting grounds of the Fiji Petrel
remains the prime conservation priority for this species.