The population of the short-tailed albatross is currently estimated to be around 7300 individuals and is steadily growing. This bird is considered to be rare and is only a sporadic visitor to Washington waters. It primarily breeds on islands off the coast of Japan and also in Hawaii.
One of the main reasons for the vulnerability of this species is the fact that approximately 85 percent of the nesting pairs are concentrated on a single island. This concentration puts the population at risk because any disturbance or catastrophic event on that particular island could have devastating effects on the overall population size.
The short-tailed albatross population has faced significant challenges in the past, primarily due to human activities such as hunting for feathers and eggs, as well as habitat destruction. These factors led to a severe decline in the population, and at one point, the species was considered critically endangered.
Efforts to conserve and protect the short-tailed albatross have been successful in recent years, leading to an increase in the population size. Conservation measures have included strict regulations on hunting, habitat restoration, and the establishment of protected areas.
Despite the positive trend in population growth, the short-tailed albatross still faces threats that could impact its long-term survival. Climate change, in particular, poses a significant risk to the species. Rising sea levels and changes in ocean currents could affect the availability of suitable nesting sites and prey availability.
The short-tailed albatross population is currently estimated to be around 7300 individuals, and efforts to conserve and protect the species have been effective in increasing its numbers. However, the concentration of nesting pairs on a single island and the potential impacts of climate change highlight the need for continued conservation efforts to ensure the long-term survival of this rare and remarkable bird.