Ancient Murrelets (or "night bird" as translated from the Haida language), a species at risk in Canada, are being devastated by invasive rats. A significant proportion of the world population of these seabirds breed on remote islands in Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site. Parks Canada, the Haida Nation and several international partners are committed to restoring seabird habitat on several remote islands in Gwaii Haanas, by removing invasive rats. The protection of species at risk is a high priority for Parks Canada. Through initiatives like this, Parks Canada is achieving conservation results in support of the National Conservation Plan. Ancient Murrelets come and go from small islands by night during breeding season and spend the rest of their time on the water. Black rats are a threat to vulnerable island species Burrowed under the forest floor, the tiny chicks hatch and within days scuttle through the night-shaded undergrowth as their parents call to them from the sea. These seabirds also once played an important role in the diet of the Haida people and the colonies were once prime food gathering places.

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