Print
Southern royal albatross
Breeding pairs remaining in the world: 8,400
Where do they breed?: 99% of the population is found on Campbell Island, the rest can be found on other New Zealand islands
Wingspan: c350 cm
Length (beak to tail): 110-122 cm
Average lifespan: 40-60 years
Diet: Mainly squid and fish, supplemented by salps (barrel-like, free-floating filter feeders), shrimp and carrion
Scientific name:Diomedea epomophora
Threat level: Vulnerable
Why they need your help
This albatross breeds on just four islands, and have young just once every other year.
Several populations of southern royal albatross were wiped out by introduced predators. And for some of the smaller populations, predation is still very much an issue today.
At their main breeding sites, the spread of vegetation is a big problem as it reduces the amount of ground suitable to nest on.
In their search for food, they roam far and wide, and have been caught by longliners and trawlers in the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic Oceans, as well as off the east and west coasts of South America.
Immature birds regularly fly over the Patagonian Shelf, where they come in contact with trawl and longline fisheries.