Also sometimes known as the Mascarene black petrel, this species was known from four specimens found in the nineteenth century on the island of Réunion.

It is known to breed in very small numbers in the Grand Bassin – Le Dimitile Important Bird Area in the mountains of Réunion.

Réunion scientists reported this as part of their work to locate breeding colonies using acoustic surveys.

[2] They note that the population is declining due to predation and, by locating the colonies, conservation measures could be implemented.

"Discovery of the breeding colonies of a critically endangered and elusive seabird, the Mascarene Petrel (Pseudobulweria aterrima)".