The short-tailed albatross is a large seabird whose wingspan approaches 2m. Until the late 19th century, Short-tailed albatrosses formed large colonies on Tori-shima, and the Ogasawara and Senkaku islands. However, because of the demand for their feathers, the short-tailed albatrosses were recklessly hunted and were believed to be extinct until a small number were later rediscovered on Tori-shima and Minami-kojima of the Senkaku Islands. Thanks to conservation efforts, the numbers have gradually increased to about 1,000. The Short-tailed Albatross is easy to catch because it moves slowly and does not fear human beings. For this same reason, the bird gets its nickname, Aho-dori, which literally means "idiot bird." Flying over the ocean as if gliding along the surface, the short-tailed albatross, catches fish and squid for food.
Short-tailed Albatross (Diomedea albatrus) This species has had its numbers increased through protection and breeding activities of the Environment Agency and Hiroshi Hasegawa of the Yamashina Institute for Ornithology, and has been placed in the Threatened II group. However its future is unpredictable.
If you know of any other endangered or rare plants or animals on Okinawa or the surrounding islands please send us what you know and pictures if possible. Thanks.
