Falealupo village continues to push ahead with its efforts to protect Samoa's the manumea, with the village mayor emphasising that protecting rainforests ensures the rare bird's survival.

Taofinu'u M Lamositele told the Samoa Observer in an interview that the bird is rare but they are thankful that their village has been classified "manumea friendly" due to its sightings at different times.

He said the bird is known by a different name in Falealupo, which is "manuma" with the name based on how it reacts to human presence.

"We call it the manuma, because it is a shy bird (ma translates to shy)," Taofinu'u said. "If you see this bird it has a colorful body and a distinct yellow peak. 

"It also looks like a [chicken] hen when it turns its back to you."

Explaining what he thinks are the reasons behind the birds being difficult to spot, the village mayor said the manumea is selective in the types of birds or insects that are close to its forest areas.

"The manuma does not like a lot of birds and insects. The only birds it likes is the fiaui bird (white-throated pigeon)," he said. "So if you see the fiaui bird, you can bet that the manuma is nearby." 

Asked why the bird's name was changed to manumea, he said it was because of its use of its feathers and how it spreads its wings to reveal multiple colours. 

"Recently, they called it the manumea, and that's because when the bird spreads its wings, you can see different colours so the feathers were used as decorative feathers for fine mats.

"That's why they called it the manumea, but here in Falealupo we all know it as the manuma because of its characteristics."

The village mayor then recalled how he came close to shooting a manumea one day, only to be stopped by his son, with Taofinu'u then recalling awareness by a Government Ministry.

"The Ministry had come and told me that this was an important bird. I asked them why? Why the manuma? They said it was because it is unique to Samoa. I told them that if the bird has wings then it is everywhere, not just here.

"I have to remind that our ancestors always preserved the forests, and that's why Falealupo has a lot of forestry so we are familiar with these birds.

"Now we work together with the Ministry and the Samoa Conservation Society to help look for the manuma. The whole village has been informed that nobody is allowed to shoot it but they have to take photos or record the bird when sighted."

Taofinu'u's 27-year-old daughter Tuaoi Lamositele is currently employed as a ranger with the Samoa Conservation Society. 

In fact she and her brother Olatagafalo are both rangers who are committed to finding the manuma and believe it is an important bird to preserve.