Facts about albatrosses
Wandering albatross adult feeding
juvenile, Antipodes Islands
Until recently scientists recognised 14 different species of albatrosses, but new research using DNA technology has confirmed as many as 24. Fourteen varieties breed in the New Zealand region - more than anywhere else in the world. Several are extremely rare, like the Chatham Islands mollymawk which breeds only on one tiny island in the Chathams.
New Zealand's albatrosses include two species of royal albatross, the largest of all the albatrosses. The northern royal albatross breeds on the Chatham Islands and at Taiaroa Head on the Otago Peninsula, one of only two places in the world where albatrosses breed on the mainland. The southern species breeds on the subantarctic Auckland and Campbell Islands. These island groups are among the world's most important seabird sanctuaries.
Harvesting
Chatham Islands royal albatross populations have a long history of traditional harvesting. By 1921 the birds were fully protected and hunting them was illegal. Applications to harvest albatross have been made from 1993 to the present day. None have been granted.
Contacts
DOC HOTline - 24 hour emergency number
Phone 0800 DOC HOTline (0800 362 468) to report:
Sick or injured wildlife
Whale or dolphin strandings