Firstly, its populations were decimated by feather traders at the end of the 1800s. Then in 1939 and 1941 volcanic eruptions destroyed all the known birds and it was thought to be extinct. However, in 1953 it was found to be breeding there again, presumably, because juveniles of these long-lived birds had survived by being at sea during 1939 and 1941 only returning to the island on reaching maturity some years later when it was safe to nest again. It is now off the critical list but still listed as endangered. The other 11 species of Albatross are all pretty much restricted to the southern hemisphere.
Albatrosses are large birds and as such have relatively small populations.
Up to date estimates of world populations are hard to find, partly because of the highly dispersed nature of the population, but here are some estimates. The Amsterdam Albatross is internationally accepted as a critically endangered species. Ecology Albatrosses feed primarily on squid though they also take fish. They mate for life, though partnerships will break up if breeding is unsuccessful for several years. The smaller species take about 7 years to reach breeding maturity.