About

The Jaalbatross (Diomedea epomophora syrici) is a large, recently discovered seabird of the albatross family that currently inhabits many of the same islands as its slightly larger 'parent' species; The Southern Royal Albatross (with one notable exception).

Its comparatively recent discovery along with genetic evidence collected from older specimens (which suggests its origin may in fact lie with a hypothetical genetically engineered 'clone line' rather than a natural evolutionary development), its unusual nesting habits, and high intelligence have led to rampant speculation about the species' origin. Multiple conspiracy theories exist, the most famous and widespread being that the initial population (estimates vary with regards to number) were in fact 'grown' as part of a top secret US government project seeking to turn relatively innocuous seabirds into weapons and spies against the Soviet Union. According to this theory the famous Reagan-era SDI, or 'Star Wars' program was actually just a cover designed to draw interest and public speculation away from 'Project Rookery', the supposed name of the over-arching program aimed at weaponizing waterfowl. Supposedly once the Jaalbatrosses learned that their purpose was to ferry miniaturized nuclear weapons to key Soviet facilities they affected a break-out during the early morning hours of November 5, 1986. The US government denies these allegations and claims that the theorists are confusing the lab in question with a privately owned research lab that was raided by eco-terrorists during the week the events supposedly transpired.

Taxonomy:

Like all great albatrosses, the Jaalbatross belongs to Diomedeidae family and, therefore, to the Procellariiforme order and as such it sharescertain identifying features; namely, that they have nasal passages that attach to the upper bill (naricorns, although the nostrils on the Jaalbatross, like those of its 'parent' species are on the sides of the bill), and a bill split into between 7 and 9 horny plates. Finally they produce a stomach oil made up of wax esters and triglycerides that is stored in the proventriculus. This is used against predators as well as an energy rich food source for chicks and for the adults during their long flights.

Description:

The Jaalbatross has a beak-to-tail length of 115–130 cm and an average weight of 8.5 kg. Both juveniles and adults can be distinguished from the Royal Albatrosses by their almost completely white upper wing (the wings still retain some dark speckling and black tips). Few measurements exist but the wingspan appears to be slightly smaller than the average D. epomophora at roughly 2.9 m but it is not known if this is necessarily indicative of the species as a whole.

Range:

The vast majority of Jaalbatrosses nest alongside D. epomophora on Campbell island but no estimates exist on the number of breeding pairs. The notable exception (and the key example cited by conspiracy theorists) is a single male currently living with a human family in central Kentucky.

Behavior:

Like many seabirds who nest on mammal-free islands the Jaalbatross is comparatively trusting of humans in general (unconfirmed reports exist of several Jaalbatrosses choosing to 'roost' in the cleavage of lesbian women in a similar fashion to the TPOwl), but unlike many of its relatives it seems to have what could almost be described as a 'friendly' relationship with many mammals where present, Felines (F. catus, L. serval, L. pardalis, and P.concolor,) in particular In addition, at least one Jaalbatross (the same individual residing in Kentucky) appears to have an amicable relationship with Fae-kind, allowing at least one pixie (E. canadensis) to 'nest' in its feathers.

Feeding:

Like all members of its Family the Jaalbatross feeds primarily on squid and small fish but also seems to have a particular liking for various fruits and berries.

Reproduction:

Jaalbatrosses, unique in their genus, lay a single egg every three years and prefer to nest on relatively low-lying plateaus where they construct their nests from indigenous grasses. In areas with a large human presence many individuals are known to scavenge bits of wire to add to the construction, both for display and for structural reinforcement. Jaalbatrosses appear to be chemically inter-fertile not just with members of their parent species (and, presumably, with other closely related Diomedes such as D. sanfordi) but also with the European Magpie (P. pica) though speculation exists that the mated magpies in question may also be products of similar genetic engineering experiments (this time conducted by the Canadian government). The juvenile offspring of this union superficially resemble small loons with black hooked, albatross-like beaks. No adult offspring are recorded, as such their eventual appearance is a matter of conjecture. Jaalbatrosses are devoted mates who tend to lavish gifts of shiny objects and food on their partners. Most appear to be at least seasonally monogamous with many remaining partnered for years on end (one presumes that, like other Diomedes, Jaalbatrosses probably remain mated for life, barring repeated nesting failures but there is insufficient data to support this conclusion at present).

Conservation:

The IUCN classifies this species as 'Data Deficient'.

Friends

  •  

Comments

Viewing 1 of 1 comments.

Jaaten Syric

Report | 08/20/2010 9:59 pm

Jaaten Syric

cool avi

Signature

User Image - Blocked by "Display Image" Settings. Click to show.