Rainforest

The Samoan rainforest, a unique heritage

Above, O le Moe Waterfall on Savai'i

As a result of the isolation from larger continents the biodiversity of the Samoan rainforest is not comparable with that of i.e. Southeast Asia but, of the same reason, it shows a high level of endemism; 30% of the native plant species in Samoa are endemic. Endemic species are unique species not found anywhere else in the world. The rainforest ecosystem in Samoa is not only unique but also extremely vulnerable; extinction of one single species may cause cascades of linked extinctions. About 90% of the 217 bird species gone extinct during the last 400 years lived on oceanic islands. The only native mammal the Samoan flying fox, endemic to the Samoan islands, is an important pollinator for several tree species.

Vast areas of the interior of the Samoan islands are still covered with primary rainforest whereas most of the lowland rainforest on both Savai'i and Upolu has been logged and converted into plantations and fallow land. The ecosystem of the lowland rainforest generally shows a higher biodiversity and has a different composition of species than that on higher altitudes. Also natural episodes such as the tropical cyclones that struck the islands 1990 and 1991 have been devastating for the rainforests. However, there are still fragments of lowland rainforest in Samoa, some of it protected with forest preserves. 

With an increased ecological awareness and hopefully a decreasing demand for land to be developed, there is chance to save the remaining lowland rainforests in Samoa. We only need a new generation of politicians with increased awareness for environment protection.  

Besides the uniqueness and the intrinsic value, the Samoan rainforest is important for several other reasons, i.e. erosion control and fresh water supply. Water catchments and coral reefs are very vulnerable to nutrient runoff and siltation.

We recommend a visit to the Tafua Rainforest Reserve on Savai'i. For more information contact Safua Hotel safuahotel@lesamoa.net 

Phone: (685)-51271, Fax: (685)-51272