Funding from the Birds New Zealand Pacific Islands Bird Conservation and Research Fund was used to support seabird surveys and monitoring training for staff from the Ministry of National Resources and Environment and the Samoa Conservation Society. The Secretariat for the Pacific Regional Environment Programme and the Northern New Zealand Seabird Trust provided this training.
The islands are rich in biodiversity and both marine and terrestrial ecosystems support significant populations of seabirds; They are the most important islands for red-footed (Sula sula) and brown boobies/Fua’ö (S. leucogaster) and greater frigate birds/Atafa (Fregata minor) in Samoa. They host two species of fruit bats, coconut crabs and marine turtles including the most important nesting sites for hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys inbricata) in Samoa.
The islands also support populations of a species of threatened terrestrial bird – the friendly ground dove/Tu’aimeo (Gallicolumba stairi), IUCN threat ranking Vulnerable. The Critically Endangered manumea (Didunculus strigirostris) has been recorded there in the past.
