Inventory and Monitoring at National Park of American Samoa

The National Park of American Samoa is a dramatic palette of deep greens and blues. Forested ridges rise sharply from the sea with seabirds and large fruit bats called flying foxes coasting above. Among the most impressive in the world, Samoa's coral reefs teem with over 975 species of colorful fish and more than 250 coral species.

The national park preserves and protects tropical rain forests, coral reefs, fruit bats, and Samoan culture.

What's Monitored Here

  • Vibrant coral reef at War in the Pacific National Historical Park
    Benthic Marine Communities

    Four parks within the Pacific Island Network contain rich benthic marine communities that are home to algae, corals, and other invertebrates

  • Observing alpine climate at Haleakalā National Park
    Climate

    Climate is widely recognized as a major driver for both terrestrial and marine ecosystems

  • Invasive palm grass (Setaria palmifolia) growing throughout a native forest in Hawaiʻi Volcan
    Established Invasive Plant Species

    Nonnative plant species invasions present a serious threat to Pacific island ecosystems

  • Plant community in American Memorial Park
    Focal Terrestrial Plant Communities

    Long-term vegetation monitoring helps us determine plant community health, ecosystem stability, and the effectiveness of management

  • A Pacific Kingfisher at the National Park of American Samoa
    Landbirds

    On Pacific islands, birds pollinate the majority of woody plant species and disperse their seeds

  • On of many anchialine pools and cultural sites at Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park with dev
    Landscape Dynamics

    Landscape dynamics monitoring in parks provides information on land use and land cover change

  • Pennant bannerfish (Heniochus chrysostomus) observed on a coral reef in National Park of American Sa
    Marine Fish Communities

    Marine fish are a major component of coral reef ecosystems and serve many ecological functions

  • Stream monitoring in Kalaupapa National Historical Park
    Stream Communities

    Freshwater ecosystems are considered to be among the world's most vulnerable

  • Fresh water quality monitoring in a stream in Haleakalā National Park
    Fresh & Brackish Water Quality

    Fresh and brackish water quality monitoring occurs in places like streams and anchialine pools

  • Marine water quality performed at Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park
    Marine Water Quality

    The quality of surface waters, marine waters, and groundwater is fundamental to the ecosystems across the Pacific islands

A fruit bat hangs upside down in the National Park of American Samoa
Reports & Publications

PACN I&M Inventory and Monitoring Reports, Protocols, and Articles from National Park of American Samoa

Discovering species in our parks
Park Species List

Discovering species in our parks

Last updated: December 21, 2023

Tools