Wisdom, a Laysan albatross and the world’s oldest documented wild bird, has astounded wildlife experts by laying her 60th egg at the age of 74. This remarkable event was announced by US wildlife officials, highlighting Wisdom’s incredible longevity and reproductive success.
A Return to Midway Atoll
Wisdom returned to the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, located near the northwestern boundary of the Hawaiian Archipelago. This marks her first egg-laying in four years, as confirmed by the US Fish & Wildlife Service. Since 2006, Wisdom and her long-term partner, Akeakamai, had frequently visited the atoll for nesting.
A New Partner
Laysan albatrosses are known to mate for life, but officials revealed that Akeakamai has been absent for several years. During her recent visit, Wisdom was observed interacting with a new male partner. Jonathan Plissner, supervisory wildlife biologist at the refuge, expressed optimism about the egg hatching successfully.
Life Cycle of Laysan Albatrosses
- Egg Incubation: Parents share the responsibility of incubating their egg for approximately seven months.
- Chick Development: After hatching, chicks take five to six months to mature before their first flight over the ocean.
- Diet: The birds primarily feed on squid and fish eggs.
Wisdom’s Extraordinary Journey
First banded as an adult in 1956, Wisdom has raised up to 30 chicks over her lifetime. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) states that Laysan albatrosses typically live for 68 years, making Wisdom’s longevity and continued reproductive ability exceptional.
Importance of Midway Atoll
The Midway Atoll serves as a critical nesting ground for millions of seabirds annually, showcasing the significance of preserving wildlife habitats for species like the Laysan albatross.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the estimated number of eggs laid by Wisdom in her lifetime?
- a) 30
- b) 60
- c) 74
- d) 68
- Answer: b) 60
- Where is the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge located?
- a) Pacific Coast of California
- b) Northwestern boundary of the Hawaiian Archipelago
- c) Gulf of Alaska
- d) Near the Australian Great Barrier Reef
- Answer: b) Northwestern boundary of the Hawaiian Archipelago
- What is the typical lifespan of Laysan albatrosses, according to NOAA?
- a) 50 years
- b) 60 years
- c) 68 years
- d) 74 years
- Answer: c) 68 years
- How long does it take for a Laysan albatross chick to mature after hatching?
- a) 2–3 months
- b) 4–5 months
- c) 5–6 months
- d) 7–8 months
- Answer: c) 5–6 months
- What is the primary diet of Laysan albatrosses?
- a) Plankton and algae
- b) Squid and fish eggs
- c) Small crustaceans
- d) Seagrass and seaweed
- Answer: b) Squid and fish eggs