Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat of American Samoa I. Environment and Ecology
Amerson AB, Whistler WA, Schwaner TD. 1982. Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat of American Samoa I. Environment and Ecology. US Fish & Wildlife Service. Washington, DC
A survey of the status of the terrestrial vertebrate wildlife and the wildlife habitat of American Samoa was conducted from 15 June 1975 to 21 December 1976. Data were collected from 42 study plots in 16 vegetation communities and habitat types on the seven islands, and from 98 linear survey routes between the study plots. American Samoa consists of five volcanic islands and two atolls in the Tropical climatic zone. The volcanic islands were originally covered with Tropical Rain Forest, much of which is now highly disturbed. There is a small cloud forest zone. Plantation land, rain and ridge forests, secondary forest, and village land now make up most of the habitats. One species of amphibian and 15 of reptiles occur in American Samoa. The avifauna includes 54 species. There are seven species of mammals. Undisturbed habitats are most used by the native wildlife, whereas introduced species are most abundant in disturbed areas. Threatened and endangered wildlife species and habitats are identified, and possible programs for their protection are discussed.