Uafato, Samoa (UNA) :

In a remote part of Samoa’s dense Uafato rainforest, conservationists have recorded fresh sightings of the manumea, a critically endangered bird closely related to the long-extinct dodo. After years with no confirmed evidence, researchers recently documented several encounters, marking the first sustained observations in more than ten years.

The manumea, often called the “little dodo,” is considered a living link to ancient bird species. Its survival is not just scientifically significant but also culturally important to Samoa, where it is recognised as the national bird. Experts say this rediscovery provides a narrow window of hope to protect the species before it disappears entirely.

Despite this encouraging news, the bird’s future remains fragile. Invasive predators like rats and feral cats continue to threaten eggs and chicks, and habitat loss shrinks the forests where the manumea lives. Conservation groups are calling for urgent action, including stronger predator control and habitat protection to give the species a real chance at recovery.

For local communities and wildlife lovers worldwide, the return of the manumea serves as a reminder that dedicated conservation efforts can still make a difference but time is running out to save one of nature’s rarest survivors.