Save Samoa's National Bird- the Manumea- to save Samoa's Natural Heritage!

The Samoa Conservation Society is seeking your support for its campaign to save the Manumea, Samoa’s critically endangered National Bird.

The Zoological Society of London has listed the Manumea as #16 on the list of the worlds 100 most evolutionary distinct and globally endangered birds, and there may now be less than 200 birds left in the wild, with none in captivity. The Manumea, or tooth-billed pigeon (Didunculus strigirostris), is nicknamed the ‘Little Dodo’ because it is one of the closest living relatives to the iconic extinct Dodo. It is taxonomically unique and plays an important ecological role in spreading the seeds of native Samoan trees, thereby increasing the climate resilience of local communities.

The Samoa Conservation Society was founded in 2013 with a bold vision and commitment towards conserving Samoa's biodiversity and natural heritage. In 2017 it launched an international campaign, in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Samoa Tourism Authority (STA), the New Zealand Government and Auckland Zoo to try and save the Manumea from extinction.

The campaign is being re-launched in 2024 to help support efforts to extend the impact of a growing network of “Manumea Friendly Villages” such as Uafato and Falease’ela. Your donation will support the training of local Manumea rangers, build ecotourism infrastructure such as trails, bird hides and signage for visiting tourists, predator control, and the restoration of native forests.