Birds
Amsterdam Albatross
Diomedea amsterdamensis · also called Amsterdam Island albatross
Breeding nowhere on Earth except a single high plateau on one remote island, an Amsterdam albatross survives as one of the rarest large seabirds alive, its entire global population of around a hundred and seventy birds recovering slowly from a low point of fewer than a dozen breeding pairs.
Overview
The Amsterdam albatross, Diomedea amsterdamensis, is a Critically Endangered seabird native to ocean habitat surrounding a single remote sub-Antarctic island in the southern Indian Ocean. Its extraordinarily small global population, single-location breeding range, and only recent recognition as a distinct species make it one of the most precariously positioned large seabirds found anywhere in the world.
An entire species riding on one plateau
With every breeding pair confined to a single high plateau on one remote island, the Amsterdam albatross has essentially no margin for error, its slow recovery from the brink of extinction standing as one of seabird conservation’s most fragile ongoing success stories.
Status
Critically Endangered, though the population is increasing slowly thanks to intensive conservation efforts including predator control on its single breeding island.
Amsterdam Albatross: common questions
Why is the Amsterdam albatross so rare?
This species breeds nowhere on Earth except a single high plateau on one remote island, and with a total population of only around a hundred and seventy birds, it remains one of the rarest albatross species and one of the rarest large seabirds in the world.
When was the Amsterdam albatross recognised as its own species?
This species was not formally recognised as distinct from other large albatrosses until 1983, making it one of the more recently described bird species of its size despite having existed as a distinct population for far longer.
What threats does the Amsterdam albatross face?
This species has faced pressure from poultry-borne disease introduced to its breeding island, compounding the already severe risk posed by its tiny population confined to a single location.
Is the Amsterdam albatross population recovering?
Yes, intensive conservation efforts including predator control have helped the population slowly increase from a low point of fewer than a dozen breeding pairs, though the species remains Critically Endangered given how small its total numbers still are.