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The ACAP-listed Amsterdam Albatross Diomedea amsterdamensis is endemic to the French island of Amsterdam, a National Nature Reserve (since 2006) in the southern Indian Ocean.  With its tiny population (estimated at 160-170 individuals of which only 80 to 90 are breeding adults) at only at a single locality it is considered to be Critically Endangered.

The French Ministère de l'Écologie, de l'Énergie, du Développement durable et de l’Énergie has now published an Action Plan for the species.  The text is in French although English (and French) synopses are available.  The plan’s two sections cover Current State of Knowledge and Conservation Strategy.  The latter section is divided into seven subjects: long-term monitoring; epizootic (disease); use of marine habitat; interactions with fisheries; terrestrial habitat; habitat restoration; and communication and education.

The Action Plan for the Amsterdam Albatross, set to cover a five-year period from 2011 to 2015, will be considered next month at the Seventh Meeting of the Albatross and Petrel Agreement’s Advisory Committee, to be held in La Rochelle, France (click here to access AC7 Inf 03).

Click here to access the ACAP Species Assessment text for the Amsterdam Albatross.

Amsterdam Albatross.  Photograph by Scott Shaffer

Selected References:

Decante, F., Jouventin, P.E., Roux, J.-P. & Weimerskirch, H. 1987.  Projet d’aménagement de l’île Amsterdam.  Rapport SRETIE, TAAF, CEBC-CNRS.

Delord, K., Micol, T. & Marteau, C. (undated).  Plan national d’actions pour l’albatros d’Amsterdam Diomedea amsterdamensis 2011 – 2015.  La Défense: Ministère de l'Écologie, de l'Énergie, du Développement durable et de l’Énergie.  83 pp.

Delord, K., Micol, T. & Marteau, C. (undated).  Taking action for the Amsterdam Albatross.  A Synopsis of the National Plan of Actions 2011-2015.  La Défense: Ministère de l'Écologie, de l'Énergie, du Développement durable et de l’Énergie.  15 pp.

Inchausti, P. & Weimerksirch, H. 2001.  Risks of decline and extinction of the endangered Amsterdam albatross and the projected impact of long-line fisheries.  Biological Conservation 100: 377–386.

Jouventin, P. 1994.  Past, present and future of Amsterdam Island (Indian Ocean) and its avifauna.  BirdLife Conservation Series 1: 122-132.

Jouventin, P. & Roux, J.-P. 1983. Discovery of a new albatross.  Nature 305: 181.

Jouventin, P., Martinez, J. & Roux, J.-P. 1989. Breeding biology and current status of the Amsterdam Island Albatross Diomedea amsterdamensis.  Ibis 131: 171-182.

Micol, T. & Jouventin, P. 1995.  Restoration of Amsterdam Island, South Indian Ocean, following control of feral cattle.  Biological Conservation 73: 199-206.

Rivalan, P., Barbraud, C., Inchausti, P. & Weimerskirch, H. 2010.  Combined impact of longline fisheries and climate on the persistence of the Amsterdam Albatross.  Ibis 152: 6-18.

Roux, J.-P., Jouventin, P., Mougin, J-.L., Stahl, J.S. & Weimerskirch, H. 1983.  Un nouvel albatros Diomedea amsterdamensis n. sp. Découvert sur l’île Amsterdam (37°50’S, 77°35’E).  L’Oiseau et R.F.O. 53: 1-11.

Weimerskirch, H., Brothers, N. & Jouventin, P. 1997.  Population dynamics of wandering albatrosses Diomedea exulans and Amsterdam albatross D. amsterdamensis in the Indian Ocean and their relationship with longline fisheries: conservation implications.  Biological Conservation 79: 257-270.

John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 30 April 2013