Population status of the Critically Endangered waved albatross Phoebastria irrorata, 1999 to 2007

Abstract

Understanding the demography of the Critically Endangered waved albatross Phoebastria irrorata is crucial for effective policy responses to recent threats, most notably fishery mortality. Using current vital rates data and a stochastic matrix model, we confirm the conclusion of Awkerman et al. (2006) that the population growth rate (λ) was less than 1 in recent years, indicating a shrinking population. Earlier comparisons of recent population size suggested that the breeding population shrunk between 1994 and 2001, but these were based on only 2 counts. A new count in 2007 indicated continued reduction in breeding population size, and the magnitude of the recent reduction was consistent with that projected by our model. New information suggests that plastic ingestion appears to pose a minor threat, if any, to this species, in contrast to the serious problems that it causes in some other albatrosses. Reduction of adult mortality in the coastal fishery appears to be the most effective means to stabilize this threatened species.

Floater strategies and dynamics in birds, and their importance in conservation biology: towards an understanding of nonbreeders in avian populations

“…when prospecting available breeding territories and mates) to solitary birds (e.g. Anderson et al, 2002Anderson et al, , 2003Imber et al, 2005;Dittmann, Ezard & Becker, 2007;Jenouvrier et al, 2008), which will determine the application of various conservation measures; (3) we need better empirical data (including biological models involving more diversified life histories) to improve our knowledge of and ability to predict population stability, persistence and extinction risks.…”

Laysan Albatross on Guadalupe Island, México: Current Status and Conservation Actions

“…From 1850, goats (Capra hircus), dogs (Canis familiaris), cats, and house mice (Mus musculus) established feral populations on Guadalupe together with invasive birds and weeds (Junak et al 2005, Quintana-Barrios et al 2006. Feral goats (approximately 10,500) and a small population of dogs (<100) were eradicated between and 2007(Aguirre-Muñoz et al 2011.…”

Why study bycatch? An introduction to the Theme Section on fisheries bycatch

“…The papers in this Theme Section are no exception to the trend reported above, with 10 studies on sea turtles (Alfaro Shigueto et al 2008, Braun-McNeill et al 2008, Crognale et al 2008, Gardner et al 2008, Gless et al 2008, Grantham et al 2008, Howell et al 2008, Peckham et al 2008, Southwood et al 2008, and Tomás et al 2008, 7 studies on birds (Anderson et al 2008, Benjamins et al 2008, Bugoni et al 2008, Gilman et al 2008, Grantham et al 2008, and Zador et al 2008b, and 5 studies on marine mammals (Brotons et al 2008, Chilvers 2008, Karamanlidis et al 2008and Scheidat et al 2008. Even without consideration of the number of species in each taxon, the distribution of research effort presented here is clearly skewed (though this may in part be due to elevated awareness of Endangered Species Research and this issue in the sea turtle research community).…”

“…In spite of strong protection by law, detailed demographic studies indicate a 30% decline in pup production since 1998, suggesting that current management efforts are not sufficient. Likewise, Anderson et al (2008) used a stochastic matrix model to estimate the population trajectory of waved albatrosses. They demonstrate a convincing decline in abundance which they link to reduced adult survival as a result of bycatch in the Peruvian artisanal longline fishery.…”