Originally confined to Laysan Island in modern times, this bird's
population once dropped as low as 12 in the wild. Conservation efforts, including translocation to Midway and Kure Atoll,
have had great success, but outside forces such as introduced species, avian botulism and a tsunami has meant the
population has fluctuated. The latest count is 700 mature birds but it is still listed as critically endangered due to
such fluctuations. However, birds are easily kept in captivity, these photos being taken at Slimbridge. In the wild
photography is difficult since birds are crepuscular and rest in dense vegetation most of the day.
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