Animals

Fruit bats roosting during the daytime.

NPS

 

Unique Animal Life in the National Park of American Samoa

The animal life of the National Park of American Samoa is unlike that of any other U.S. National Park. From the flying foxes (fruit bats) that soar over the mountains to the expansive coral reefs along the shorelines, these key animal forms play a central role in shaping the park’s diverse ecosystems.

Flying foxes, vital terrestrial pollinators, are especially important to the park's rainforests. As a result, the forest here is dominated by fruit-bearing species, in contrast to Hawaii, where nectar-seeking birds and insects primarily pollinate native forests. These fruit bats sustain the health of the rainforest, contributing to the park’s vibrant plant life.

Along the coast, the park’s coral reefs boast the greatest marine biodiversity of any U.S. National Park or territory. The park is home to more than 800 native fish species and 200 coral species, making the underwater world both bewildering and awe-inspiring.

For more information, the park's Natural History Guide provides a checklist of mammals. You can also view detailed lists of the park’s marine mammals and reptiles to explore even more of its incredible biodiversity.