Drooid Logo
Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Hope for Manumea: Rare Bird Spotted After Years

1/3/2026

42 7 Full Breakdown

1 of 1

Story summary
  • Conservationists in Samoa are cautiously optimistic after spotting the critically endangered manumea (tooth-billed pigeon), Samoa's national bird, for the first time since 2020.
  • The Samoa Conservation Society reported five sightings in a Uafato survey.
  • The manumea population declined from about 7,000 in the 1990s to 50–150 today.
  • Habitat loss and invasive species such as feral cats and rats drive decline.
  • Conservation efforts include fines for hunting and invasive species management.