Rare albatross is unique species

 

The rare Amsterdam Albatross only discovered in 1983 on Amsterdam Island in the southern Indian Ocean has now had its DNA analysed to show that it is not a sub-species of the Wandering Albatross Diomedea exulans but in fact a species in its own right.  For the full story see:BBC - Earth News - Rare albatross is unique species

There is only a handful of very large diomedeans so the discovery of a new one is hugely significant.  Hopefully its rarity, only 170 individuals, will be a benefit in its survival and will persuade us to make a real effort to protect it.  Since it apparently only breeds on Amsterdam Island we can be confident that it will be monitored properly.  Its scientific name is Diomedea amsterdamensis (rather dull but suitably specific!)