THE DECLINE OF FRUIT BATS IN AMERICAN-SAMOA DUE TO HURRICANES AND OVERHUNTING

Populations of the two fruit bat species in American Samoa Pteropus samoensis and P. tonganus have declined dramatically (80-90%) in the past five years due to hurricane losses and subsequent overhunting by villagers. Current estimates are that only 200-400 P. samoensis and 1500-2500 P. tonganus remain on Tutuila Island, which formerly supported the largest bat populations in the Territory. A three-year hunting ban was enacted in 1992, but modeling projections indicate that a much longer recovery period will be required.