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The Black-footed Albatross (Phoebastria nigripes) has been identified as a focal species of management concern due to a projected 60% decline of the existing population over the next three generations (56 years). Accidental bycatch in long-line fisheries and illegal drift net operations, particularly in the North Pacific, pose a substantial threat to the long-term survival of this species. Other threats to Black-footed Albatross populations include ingestion of floating plastic debris and pesticides from scavenged food, oil pollution, introduced predators in nesting grounds, and collision with man-made structures.
Date: September 2006
Sources: BirdLife International. 2006. Species Factsheet: Black-footed Albatross Phoebastria nigripes . 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: Ka'upu (Black-footed Albatross). Department of Land and Natural Resources. Honolulu, Hawaii.
Whittow, G. Causey. 1993. Black-footed Albatross ( Diomedea nigripes ). In The Birds of North America, No. 65 (A. Poole and F. Gill, Eds.). Philadelphia: The Academy of Natural Sciences; Washington, D.C.: The American Ornithologists' Union.
Species Profile from NatureServe
Black-footed Albatross Phoebastria nigripes
Description:Dusky brown body and mantle with white border around base of bill and under tail; black feet. Length: 64-74 cm (25.6-29.6 in); wingspan: 193-216 cm (6-7 ft); average life span: 12-40 yrs. [FWS]
Life History:
Reproduction Comments: Single egg is laid mid-November to early December on Midway Island. Incubation, in long turns by both sexes, lasts 63-68 days. Young are tended by both sexes. Nestling stage lasts about 140 days. May not breed until 5+ years old. Life-long pair bond. Does not renest if egg is lost.
Habitat:
Marine Habitat(s): Near shore, Pelagic
Terrestrial Habitat(s): Sand/dune
Habitat Comments: Pelagic. Frequently follows ships. Nests in sand on oceanic islands. Usually nests in same spot in successive years.
Distribution:
United States: AK, HI, OR, WA
Canada: BC
Status:
NatureServe Status:
Global Status: G3G4,
Global Status Last Reviewed: 25Nov2002,
Global Status Last Changed: 25Nov2002,
Rounded Global Status: G3 - Vulnerable
Reasons:
Limited number of breeding occurrences; apparent decline of almost 20 per cent 1995-2000; projected decline of greater than 20 per cent over next 3 generations (60 years).
Other Statuses:
IUCN Red List Category: EN - Endangered
