Laysan Albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis)

The Laysan Albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis) has been identified as a focal species of management concern due to a 32% recent decline of birds breeding on the Northwestern Hawaiian Island, where 90% of the global population is found, and a projected 30% decline of the existing population over three generations (84 years).

Accidental bycatch in long-line fisheries and illegal drift net operations, particularly in the North Pacific, are thought to be the primary cause of recent population declines. Other threats to Laysan Albatross populations include invasive species and introduced predators in nesting grounds, ingestion of floating plastic debris and lead-contaminated soil by chicks, conflicts during breeding season with aircraft operation and facilities, collision with man-made structures, and oil pollution.

Sources:

BirdLife International. 2006. Species Factsheet: Laysan Albatross Phoebastria immutabilis . Downloaded from (http: www.birdlife.org) on 9/6/2006.

Mitchell, C., C. Ogura, D.W. Meadows, A. Kane, L. Strommer, S. Fretz, D. Leonard, and A. McClug. October 2005. Hawaii's Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy. Chapter 7: Species of Greatest Conservation Need - Seabirds: Moli (Laysan Albatross). Department of Land and Natural Resources. Honolulu, Hawaii.

Whittow, G. Causey. 1993. Laysan Albatross ( Diomedea immutabilis ). In The Birds of North America, No. 66 (A. Poole and F. Gill, Eds.). Philadelphia: The Academy of Natural Sciences; Washington, D.C.: The American Ornithologists' Union.