Northern Royal Albatross - Conservation

Conservation

Northern Royal Albatrosses are listed as an endangered species by the IUCN, and they have an occurrence range of 64,300,000 km2 (24,800,000 sq mi), with a breeding range of 8 km2 (3.1 sq mi). 5,200 to 5,800 pairs breed on the Chatham Islands annually along with 25 pairs at Taiaroa Head and 2 pairs at Enderby Island, for an estimated total of 17,000 birds, although this is a 1991 estimate. Their main breeding grounds on the Chatham Islands have been badly damaged by a series of intense storms and the resulting lack of nesting material has lowered their breeding success. Chicks and eggs of birds breeding on the South Island have also been preyed upon by introduced species, such as cats, bottle flies, and stoats. Finally, longline fishing is the biggest threat to this bird, even though it has been reduced.

To help in the survival of this species, bird banding is underway, Taiaroa Head has predator control in effect during breeding season, as well as the Chatham Islands having no predators. Enderby Island and Taiaroa Head are nature preserves, and the Department of Conservation eradicated feral cattle, rabbits and mice from Enderby Island by 1993.

Thanks to the efforts of L. E. Richdale, the colony on Taiaroa Head was protected by 1950. 1972 saw the first formal public viewing of their breeding area, and by 2001 more than 100,000 people visit annually to watch this species.