Peter Craig

The decline of fruit bats in American Samoa due to hurricanes and overhunting

Abstract 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.

Migrations of green turtles in the central South Pacific

Migrations of seven post-nesting green turtles at Rose Atoll (American Samoa) were tracked by satellite transmitters in 1993–1995. Most turtles migrated 1600 km to foraging areas in Fiji and occupied home ranges averaging 27 km 2 . Additional tag recaptures from other studies indicate a common pattern of turtle movement in the central South Pacific region. In total, the 26 recaptures of primarily post-nesting turtles from French Polynesia, American Samoa, and Cook Islands showed a similar course of direction and destination: 96% migrated westward after nesting, with 58% going specifically to Fiji. We propose that this pattern reflects the lower availability of turtle food east of Fiji where most islands are small, steep and have limited areas suitable for seagrass or algal growth. In contrast, Fiji’s extensive pastures of seagrass and algae appear to be a significant resource for many green turtles in the region. These turtles apparently spend most of their adult life in Fijian waters, taking only brief migrations to other islands to nest. # 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Population size and structure of giant clams at Rose Atoll, an important refuge in the Samoan Archipelago

Abstract Rose Atoll is an important refuge for giant clams (Tridacna maxima) that have been heavily exploited elsewhere in Samoa. During an extensive survey of six islands in the archipelago (50.5 ha surveyed in 420 transects), 97% of a total of 2853 clams were recorded at the atoll (42% of area surveyed). Clam densities were highest in the atoll lagoon, especially around the bases of the pinnacles (mean density=8870 ha-1). Estimated population size for the small atoll (615 ha) was approximately 27800 clams. Twenty four percent of the population consisted of mature clams (?12 cm), 70% of which occupied the pinnacles and shallow lagoon habitat. Estimated mortality was low (Z=0.3) and primarily due to natural mortality (M=0.3). Maximum recorded size (Lmax) and asymptotic mean size (L∞) were 25.0 cm and 27.8 cm respectively.