Unraveling the two unknown storm-petrels of South America: a review about the white-vented storm-petrel (oceanites gracilis) and pincoya storm-petrel (Oceanites pincoyae)

The diverse marine ecosystems found within South America provide a suitable habitat for a wide array of avian species. Nevertheless, despite the richness of species that these ecosystems support, there are still several among them that continue to elude comprehensive scientific understanding and remain unknown. This comprehensive scientific review delves into the intriguing world of two data-deficient marine bird species inhabiting the Pacific coastal regions of South America: the White-Vented Storm-Petrel Oceanites gracilis (Elliot, 1859) and the Pincoya Storm-Petrel Oceanites pincoyae (Harrison et al. 2013). Through an interdisciplinary approach encompassing morphology, distribution, ecology, and conservation issues, we aim to synthesize the available literature about these two species, shedding light on their potential conservation challenges, while also identifying areas where future research efforts should be directed. Much like seabird populations worldwide, these two species are currently confronted with threats such as habitat degradation, overfishing, human disturbances, and disease outbreaks, all of which have the potential to lead to significant population declines in the near future. Based on the IUCN criteria and considering the regional extent of their distribution and population numbers, we suggest a reclassification of both species and strongly advocate for their inclusion in scientific and conservation initiatives to avert their extinction.