And they're off…
The starting gate has been raised on the Ladbrokes.com Big Bird Race and the flight for The Duke of Edinburgh's Challenge Cup is on. All 18 Tasmanian Shy Albatrosses (TSAs) are saddled up with their electronic jockeys (transmitters) and most have begun their arduous migration to South Africa. Between now and the end of the race punters, owners, birders and scientists will be able to follow their progress and take a stake in future seabird conservation by placing a bet on the race.
The book on the race has been opened and Ladbrokes' traders have priced up the runners' chances of success in a variety of categories. Information from the scientists as well as any lead a runner has gained by being 'quick out the traps' has been factored into the prices offered. Before placing a bet, you will need to register with Ladbrokes.com.
All the profits from the Big Bird Race will be placed in a fund for global seabird conservation administered by the Conservation Foundation. Punters are also given the option of directing their winnings directly into the fund. This is a race for survival where the wildlife of the world benefits, no matter what the outcome.
Back the Albatross in their race for survival
The world's biggest bookmaker has teamed up with the Conservation Foundation and the Tasmanian State Government to launch an environmental project with all the excitement of the Grand National. Celebrities from around the world have given their backing by coming on board as 'owners' of the runners to help raise awareness of the project and its aims.
Between now and 5th August 2004, the TSAs' migration will take them from three small islands off Australia's mainland to South Africa. Ladbrokes.com has provided the funding for 18 of the birds to be fitted with the satellite transmitters so their progress can be closely followed by scientists in the first ever study of juvenile TSA migratory movements.
Why is this race being held?
Many thousands won't make it due to longline fishing techniques - thousands of baited hooks dragged behind boats - drowning the birds by dragging them for miles underwater. Around 300,000 seabirds die from longlining each year, with many albatross species facing extinction as a direct result. The situation is as serious as the fate dolphins faced from tuna fishing in the 80s before public awareness and pressure brought about a change in fishing techniques.
Ladbrokes.com hope that the project will help capture the imagination of the public and encourage more countries to sign the Agreement for the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP). ACAP requires signatory states to take specific measures to reduce seabird by-catch from longline fishing and improve the conservation status of the birds. Britain recently signed up to the agreement, but many more countries need to do so if the albatrosses are to be saved.