The Manumea (Didunculus strigirostris), often referred to as Samoa’s tooth-billed pigeon or “little dodo,” is a national treasure and a unique species found nowhere else in the world. Tragically, this iconic bird is now listed as Critically Endangered (CR) on the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species, with recent estimates indicating fewer than 250 individuals remain in the wild (BirdLife International, 2024).
The Manumea faces severe threats from habitat loss, hunting, and predation by invasive species. Recognising the urgency of the situation, the Samoa Conservation Society (SCS) launched its Manumea Conservation Project in 2021, employing a dedicated staff to coordinate these critical efforts. This builds upon the earlier Manumea Campaign Strategy 2019, which sought to raise awareness and address gaps identified in the Manumea Recovery Plan 2020–2029. Together, these initiatives form the foundation of Samoa Conservation Society’s (SCS) ongoing conservation work, undertaken in collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE).
A Community-Driven Approach
At the heart of the Manumea Conservation Project lies the Manumea Friendly Villages initiative. This community-focused effort engages local stakeholders in adopting sustainable practices and prioritising the protection of the Manumea and its habitat. The project aspires to secure a future for both the Manumea and Samoa’s rainforests by empowering communities, fostering collaboration, and promoting awareness.
Partnerships and Impact
The success of the Manumea conservation efforts has been made possible through the support of generous partners and contributors, including:
- International organisations: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), BirdLife International Pacific Partnership, IUCN Pigeons and Doves Specialist Group, Auckland Zoo, Toledo Zoo, Pelgar International, Colossal Bioscience, Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology at Colorado State University, Te Papa Museum NZ, and Australian National University.
- Local stakeholders: Private landowners at Malololelei, Bluebird Lumber and Hardware Ltd, the Catholic Church, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment for providing protected areas.
- Local communities: Villages such as Falealupo, Aopo, Tafua, Salelologa, Faleaseela, Matafaa, Magiagi, Luatuanuu, Uafato, and Tiavea-tai, whose collaboration has been vital.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to these partners for their unwavering support and commitment to protecting Samoa’s national bird.
A Call to Action
The Manumea remains a symbol of hope, as sightings during field surveys and monitoring suggest its continued survival in Samoa’s rainforests. However, the preservation of these habitats is crucial for the species’ long-term survival.
Join us in this critical mission to protect the Manumea and its remaining rainforest habitats. Together, we can ensure the survival of this extraordinary species and safeguard Samoa’s natural heritage for future generations.
Learn more about the project below and discover how you can support this vital work.
Projects Chronology
| Project Name | Starting Year | Ending Year | Objective | Donors | Partners |
| 1. Malololeilei Reserve Pest Management Project | September 2017 | December 2021 | To support key habitat for the protection and conservation of threatened wildlife Manumea and Mao. | Auckland Zoo, PDCT, BBL, Pelgar International. | MNRE, Auckland Zoo, PDCT, BBL, Pelgar International, SCS, Catholic Church. |
| 2. Manumea Awareness Campaign | January 2019 | April 2019 | Developing the campaign strategy. | NZHC | MNRE, SCS, Flinch Marketing, NZHC. |
| 3. Developing the Manumea Recovery Plan 2020-2029 | August 2019 | December 2019 | Auckland Zoo | Birdlife International, Auckland Zoo, MNRE, SCS. | |
| 4. Saving the Manumea and Samoa’s Natural Heritage | 2019 | 2020 | GEF-SMSMCL/ MNRE | MNRE, SCS, Manumea Friendly Villages (MFV) | |
| 5. Development of Social Media for the Manumea Campaign | 2019 | 2022 | NZ MFAT/ DOC | SCS, Flinch, MNRE. | |
| 6. Community-Led Confirmation of Manumea at Priority Sites | August 2021 | June 2022 | To confirm the presence of Manumea and its habitats. | Birdlife | Birdlife, SCS, MFV. |
| 7. Confirming the Presence of the Manumea | July 2023 | October 2023 | To confirm the presence of Manumea. | Toledo Zoo | Birdlife, SCS, MNRE, TZ, MFV. |
| 8. Confirming the Presence of the Manumea 2024 | March 2024 | To confirm the presence of Manumea. | Toledo Zoo | BL, TZ, MFV, SCS, MNRE. | |
| 9. BIOPAMA |
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