Black-browed Albatross | 21 Dec 2021

Why in News

A recent study has provided evidence of the effect of environmental conditions on the longevity of relationships — among a population of albatrosses

  • According to the researchers, climate change and warming waters are pushing black-browed albatross break-up rates higher.

Key Points

  • Black-browed Albatross:
    • Scientific Name: Thalassarche melanophris 
    • They are a member of the albatross family Diomedeidae, the ‘tube-noses’, related to shearwaters, petrels, and fulmars.
      • It is the most common and widespread albatross.
    • The name for this large seabird comes from the dark black plumage above their eyes.
    • Albatrosses are true marine birds, traversing the oceans in the southern hemisphere, returning to land only to breed.
  • Distribution:
    • They are found anywhere in the south Atlantic and circumpolar in the southern hemisphere. It can travel further to the north with cold currents.
    • During September and October, these birds breed on south Atlantic islands such as South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, South Sandwich, and the Cape Horn islands.
  • Threats:
    • Hunting & trapping terrestrial animals
    • Fishing & harvesting aquatic resources
    • Invasive and other problematic species, genes & diseases
    • Volcanoes
    • Climate change & severe weather
  • Protection Status:

Source: IE