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1,500 miles off the continent's east coast, lies another of the tiny outposts that are vital for the survival of antarctic wildlife.
在南极洲大陆东岸的一千五百英里外，还有另一个蕞尔前哨对于南极野生动物的生存至关重要。
The sub-antarctic islands of the antipodes.
次南极群岛的安蒂波德斯岛，
In spring, the longer days turn each tiny speck of land into a potential breeding ground, for the antipodean wandering albatross.
春天，对于反足信天翁来说，较长的白昼将岛上任何一丁点空地都变成可能的繁殖场。
Its wings are three metres across, amongst the biggest of any bird.
它的翼展有三米是所有鸟类中最大的。
This 14-year-old male is now mature enough to start selecting a partner.
这只14岁的雄鸟成熟度已经足以开始挑选伴侣。
For the smaller, darker female, choosing a suitable mate is of equal importance.
对体型较小、体色较深的雌鸟来说，挑选合适的交配对象同样重要。
After all, they may stay together for the next 50 years.
毕竟它们可能要共度往后的50年。
To make this crucial decision, they use one of the most elaborate courtship rituals of any sea bird.
为了做出这个重大决定，它们会使用所有海鸟中最繁复的求偶仪式。
He begins by sky-pointing. It seems to be working.
首先雄鸟会指向天空。似乎奏效了。
Next, he attempts a move, known as the double head-Bob.
接着它会尝试一种舞步，就是所谓的"双鸟点头"。
The finale is the real decider. Synchronised wing-spreading.
结尾就是成败关键。同步展翅。
She seems impressed.
雌鸟似乎心动了。
But another male appears, and shows off his wings.
可是另一只雄鸟突然出现，还炫耀它的翅膀。
The greater the span, the more attractive he could be.
翼展越大就越有吸引力。
But the first male won't tolerate a rival cutting in.
可是第一只雄鸟不会容忍对手来搅局。
Yet another hopeful joins in the competition. And another.
此时却又有一位挑战者加入竞争。又来一位。
This was not supposed to be a dance-off.
这可不是什么比舞大会。
She prefers one tango at a time.
雌鸟喜欢一次一个舞伴。
It seems that this is not going to be his year after all.
看来今年它终究无法如愿以偿。
But he's caught the eye of another albatross.
然而它已引起另一只信天翁的注意。
Once again, he begins his courtship display.
它再次展开求偶演出。
But this is, in fact, another male.
可是这只其实也是雄鸟。
Regardless, he continues to demonstrate his eligibility.
尽管如此，它仍持续展现自己的条件。
This could still be the one with whom he will share the rest of his life.
这一位依然有可能是它共度余生的对象。
On the antipodes islands, it's becoming increasingly common.
在安蒂波德斯岛，这种情况越来越常见。
Today, there are three times as many males as females.
如今雄鸟的数量是雌鸟的三倍。
Females feed further north than the males, in waters used by industrial fishing fleets that catch and drown great numbers of sea birds.
雌鸟觅食的范围比雄鸟更往北，在这片水域有工业捕鱼船队，造成大量海鸟被捕捉溺死。
As a result, the female albatross here is now declining fast.
结果导致此地的雌性信天翁数量正在锐减。
A same-sex partnership like this may bring no survival advantage.
这样的同性伴侣结合或许无法带来生存优势。
But is apparently preferable to a life alone.
但显然胜过孤独一生。
