𝐌𝐍𝐑𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐒 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐅𝐋𝐘𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐅𝐎𝐗 𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐕𝐄𝐘 – 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔.

A team from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), Division of Environment and Conservation, has deployed across Upolu and Savai’i to undertake Samoa’s National Flying Fox Monitoring Survey, which will run from 22 June to 15 July 2026.

The survey will be conducted at key permanent monitoring sites across both of Samoa’s main islands (Upolu and Savaii) as well as select offshore islands, to assess the status, distribution, and population trends of Samoa’s two flying fox species, while also searching for any remaining populations of the endangered Polynesian Sheath-tailed Bat. The data collected will help strengthen national biodiversity monitoring efforts, update existing records, and guide future conservation and management actions for these important species.

Flying foxes play a critical role in maintaining healthy forests and ecosystems. As they travel across the landscape feeding on nectar, fruits, and flowers, they act as natural pollinators and seed dispersers, helping native trees and plants reproduce and regenerate.

Through these activities, flying foxes contribute to forest restoration, biodiversity conservation, watershed protection, and the overall resilience of Samoa’s natural environment. Protecting flying fox populations is therefore not only important for the survival of the species themselves, but also for the long-term health of Samoa’s forests and the many benefits they provide to communities.

The survey will also provide an opportunity to engage with local communities and raise awareness about the ecological importance of bats and flying foxes, as well as the need to protect their habitats.

The Ministry would like to extend its sincere appreciation to the UNDP through the GEF8 Umbrella Programme for the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) Update and the 7th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), for making this important work possible through financial support.

MNRE also extends its appreciation to village communities, landowners, and partners for their continued support and cooperation throughout the survey period and wishes the field team a safe and successful deployment