At a glance
- IUCN category
- CR · Critically Endangered
- Animal group
- Birds
- Population trend
- Decreasing
- Last verified
Conservation overview
The waved albatross is the only tropical albatross, breeding almost entirely on one Galapagos island. It is assessed as Critically Endangered.
It performs an elaborate, clattering courtship dance.
Range & habitat
Breeds almost entirely on Espanola Island in the Galapagos and forages off South America.
Major threats
Threats below are drawn from the authoritative sources listed on this page. For the current, complete assessment, see the IUCN Red List.
- Longline fishing bycatch
- A single main breeding site
- Disturbance and disease
Why it matters
The only albatross of the tropics, breeding on a single island, the waved albatross is a flagship for Galapagos and eastern Pacific marine conservation.
Sources
Sources for Waved Albatross
- IUCN Red List — look up Waved Albatross (authoritative status)
- BirdLife International
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the waved albatross unusual among albatrosses?
It is essentially the only albatross that breeds in the tropics, with almost the entire population nesting on Espanola Island in the Galapagos.
Why is the waved albatross Critically Endangered?
Published assessments cite longline fishing bycatch, reliance on a single main breeding site, and disturbance and disease. See the IUCN Red List.
Last updated: