Fruit bat studies: Pteropus samoensis and Pteropus tonganus 1995-1996
Brooke AP. 1997. Fruit bat studies: Pteropus samoensis and Pteropus tonganus 1995-1996. Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources. Pago Pago, American Samoa
Results of the population surveys for Pteropus samoensis and P. tonganus conducted at various sites on Tutuila, American Samoa during 1995-1996. This survey is part of a long-term monitoring program which started in 1986. The pteropodid bat populations have declined due to commercial hunting and hurricane damage to vegetation. As of 1996, the population of Pterpus samoensis in the territory is approximately 1,000.... SUMMARY Pteropodid bat populations have declined within the recent past from commercial hunting and as the result hurricanes. Population monitoring in American Samoa during 1995- 1996 indicates approximately 1,000 Pteropus samoensis live in the territory. Surveys in Western Samoa show that the low numbers reported after the 1991 hurricane have not increased. The P. tonganus population is slowly increasing and colonies now roost places that are very difficult for people to get to.