List of mammals of American Samoa facts for kids

American Samoa is a beautiful U.S. territory in the Pacific Ocean. It's home to eight different kinds of mammals! These include four types of bats, two kinds of whales, and two types of dolphins.

Scientists keep track of how many animals are left in the wild. This helps them know which animals need special protection. They use a system called the IUCN Red List. Here's what some of their ratings mean:

• Endangered (EN): These animals are in very high danger of disappearing forever.
• Vulnerable (VU): These animals are also at high risk of becoming endangered if we don't protect them.
• Least Concern (LC): These animals are doing well and don't have major risks right now.
• Data Deficient (DD): We don't have enough information to know how well these animals are doing.

Amazing Bats of American Samoa

Bats are super unique mammals because they are the only ones that can truly fly! Their front legs have changed into wings. About one-fifth of all mammal species on Earth are bats.

• Samoa flying-fox (Pteropus samoensis) VU
  • This bat is a type of flying fox. It is considered vulnerable, meaning it needs our help to stay safe in the wild.

• Insular flying-fox (Pteropus tonganus) LC
  • Another kind of flying fox, this bat is currently doing well. Scientists call it "least concern."

• Insular myotis (Myotis insularum) DD
  • Not much is known about this small bat. Scientists need more information to understand its population and health.

• Polynesian sheath-tailed bat (Emballonura semicaudata) EN
  • This bat is endangered, which means it faces a very high risk of disappearing from the wild. It's important to protect its home.

Whales and Dolphins of the Ocean

Humpback whales are known for their amazing songs and acrobatic jumps!

Whales and dolphins are mammals that live entirely in the water. They have sleek bodies and a thick layer of fat called blubber to keep them warm. Their front fins and tail help them swim fast through the ocean.

• Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) LC
  • These giant whales are famous for their beautiful songs and acrobatic jumps. They are currently listed as "least concern," which is good news!

• Ginkgo-toothed beaked whale (Mesoplodon ginkgodens) DD
  • This whale is a bit of a mystery. Scientists don't have enough data to know how many there are or if they are at risk.

• Spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris) LC
  • Spinner dolphins are known for leaping and spinning out of the water. They are a "least concern" species.

• Fraser's dolphin (Lagenodelphis hosei) DD
  • Like the ginkgo-toothed beaked whale, not much is known about Fraser's dolphin. More research is needed to understand its population.

See also

• Lists of mammals by region
• Mammal classification