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BirdLife International’s Globally Threatened Bird Forum for seabirds is currently giving consideration to downlisting the Laysan Albatross Phoebastria immutabilis (now an ACAP-listed species, click here) from a “Vulnerable” to a “Near Threatened” status (see http://www.birdlifeforums.org/WebX/.2cba6549).

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The global population is estimated to number c. 1 180 000 mature individuals, but the species is currently listed as Vulnerable because declines first noted in the 1990s were predicted to continue into the future and equate to an overall decrease in excess of 30% over a three-generation period.  These predicted declines have not materialized and the overall population trend for 1992-2005 has been stable.

The Globally Threatened Seabird Forum allows viewers to register and to add their own comments on listing proposals, which can then be read by all. These postings will be taken into account in making a decision on any change to the species' threatened status.

BirdLife International is also currently considering downlisting the two giant petrel Macronectes species from "Near Threatened" to "Least Concern".

Posted by John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 18 May 2009