Very litle is known about this pelagic species as it is described only in 1964. This species is quite rare. It inhabits marine neritic and oceanic areas, at the heights of 2,200m to 3,000m. It is migratory, breeding in Mauritius, Réunion, and wintering in the Indian ocean territory, Australia, Christmas Island, and Madagascar. It sometimes congregates into groups during the migratory season and disperses on its wintering grounds (BirdLife International 2018).

This species is listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (https://www.iucnredlist.org/).


According to the IUCN Red List Assessment, the population of this species is declining, with the current population size estimated at 30,000 to 40,000 individuals. The threat to its persistence comes from climate change and light pollution which affects the fledglings leading to light-induced mortality. Predator attacks by cats and rodents on this species may also lower its survival (BirdLife International 2018).