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Chatham albatross

Chatham albatross gliding over water

Breeding pairs remaining in the world: 4,575
Where do they breed?: Chatham Island (New Zealand)
Wingspan: 220 cm
Length (beak to tail): 90 cm
Average lifespan: Up to 30 years
Diet: It feeds mostly on squid and fish
Scientific name:Thalassarche eremita
Threat level: Critically Endangered

Why they need your help

Every year, Chatham albatrosses return to breed on a single rock stack, called the Pyramid, in the Chatham Islands, New Zealand.

In the mid-1980s, severe storms damaged this breeding habitat. Although the habitat is slowly recovering, this had a considerable impact on the breeding success of this albatross.

However, it is believed that fisheries-related deaths pose the greatest threat to the survival of this species. Satellite tracking shows us that adult birds spend 90% of the winter foraging off the coasts of Peru and Chile, where, unfortunately, large longline fleets also operate.

What can I do?

Support the work of the RSPB by becoming a member. You'll not only be helping our work to save the albatross, but also providing vital support to our birds and wildlife, and the habitats they depend on.

In more depth