Swamps of American Samoa facts for kids

Welcome to the amazing world of American Samoa's wetlands! This article will tell you all about the cool swamps and marshes found on these beautiful Pacific islands. Swamps are special areas of land that are always wet, often with trees and other plants that love water. They are super important homes for many different kinds of plants and animals.

What are Swamps and Marshes?

Swamps and marshes are types of wetlands. Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil, or is present either at or near the surface of the soil, all year or for varying periods of time during the year.

Swamps

Swamps are wetlands that have trees and woody plants growing in them. Think of a forest where the ground is always soggy or covered in shallow water. The trees in swamps are specially adapted to live in wet conditions.

Marshes

Marshes are wetlands that are mostly covered by grasses, reeds, and other non-woody plants. They usually don't have trees. Marshes can be freshwater, saltwater, or a mix of both. They are often found along the edges of lakes, rivers, and coastlines.

Swamps on Tutuila Island

Tutuila is the largest island in American Samoa. It has four important marshes, each with its own unique features.

Faimulivai Marsh

Faimulivai Marsh is a very special place. It's a freshwater marsh, meaning it's filled with fresh, not salty, water. This marsh is located inside the Aunu'u Crater, which is an old volcano crater. It's the biggest freshwater wetland in all of American Samoa!

Why is Faimulivai Marsh Important?

This marsh became a protected area in 1972 and is now part of a National Natural Landmark. This means it's recognized as a very important natural site. Many years ago, a bird called the Pacific black duck was seen here, but sadly, it might not live in this region anymore. However, another cool bird, the purple swamphen, still calls this marsh home.

Faimulivai Marsh is also the only place in American Samoa where you can find a plant called Chinese water chestnut. This plant is known for its crunchy, edible corms, which are like underground stems.

Other Marshes on Tutuila

Besides Faimulivai, Tutuila Island has three other marshes:

• Lalopapa Marsh
• Palapalaloa Marsh
• Taufusi Marsh (Map)

Swamps on Manua Islands

The Manua Islands are a group of three islands: Ofu, Olosega, and Ta`ū. There are two known marshes in this group.

Ta`ü Marsh

Ta`ü Marsh is located on Ta`ū Island, the largest of the Manua Islands.

Vaoto Marsh

Vaoto Marsh is found on Ofu Island. Interestingly, even though an airport was built nearby, it seems the construction didn't cause much harm to this marsh. This is good news for the plants and animals that live there!