List of Micronesia’s Native Animals

Micronesia’s scattered islands and surrounding reefs support a distinctive mix of marine and terrestrial life shaped by isolation and varied habitats. From coral flats to upland forests, species here often have small ranges and specialized roles in local ecosystems.

There are 43 Micronesia’s native animals, ranging from the coral-grazing Bumphead Parrotfish to the island-roosting Yap Flying Fox. For each species we list Scientific name, Conservation (IUCN), Range / islands — you’ll find below.

Which species on this list need the most urgent attention?

Look at the Conservation (IUCN) column to spot Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered listings; island endemics, seabirds, and some bats often appear most at risk due to habitat loss, invasive species, and overfishing. Use the status and range together to prioritize actions or further reading, and consult IUCN or local agencies for up-to-date recovery plans.

How can I use the Scientific name, Conservation (IUCN), and Range / islands fields?

Scientific names remove ambiguity when researching species, the Conservation (IUCN) field shows current threat level and context, and Range / islands helps identify where a species occurs—use these columns to plan field visits, report sightings to citizen science projects, or match species to regional conservation measures.

Micronesia’s Native Animals

Images and Descriptions

Mariana Fruit Bat

Also known as the fanihi, this large flying fox is a crucial pollinator and seed disperser. It faces threats from habitat loss and historical overhunting, making it a key conservation focus in the Marianas.

Palau Flying Fox

Slightly smaller than its Mariana relative, this bat is vital to Palau’s forest ecosystems. It is a common sight at dusk, feeding on fruit and nectar, and plays a significant role in local culture.

Pohnpei Flying Fox

Endemic to Pohnpei, this large fruit bat is one of the most threatened in the world. Its population has severely declined due to habitat destruction and hunting, making its survival dependent on urgent conservation action.

Yap Flying Fox

This flying fox is endemic to the Yap Main Islands. It’s an important pollinator and a cultural symbol, but its population is threatened by typhoons, habitat loss, and hunting pressure for local consumption and trade.

Dugong

Palau is home to the most isolated dugong population in the world. These gentle marine mammals, also known as sea cows, are threatened by boat strikes and degradation of their vital seagrass habitats.

Spinner Dolphin

Famous for their acrobatic leaps and spins, these dolphins travel in large pods. They are a common sight in the deep channels and open ocean surrounding Micronesia’s islands, feeding on fish and squid at night.

Micronesian Megapode

This unique, chicken-sized bird doesn’t incubate its eggs with body heat. Instead, it buries them in mounds of composting vegetation or geothermally heated soil, letting nature do the work.

Palau Ground Dove

This shy, ground-dwelling dove is notoriously difficult to spot. It forages for seeds and fallen fruits on the forest floor of Palau’s unique Rock Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Mariana Fruit Dove

Known locally as the “Totot,” this stunningly colorful dove is the official bird of the Northern Mariana Islands. It has been driven to extinction on Guam by the invasive brown tree snake.

Kosrae Fruit Dove

This small, brightly colored dove is endemic to the island of Kosrae. Its vibrant green body, purple cap, and yellow belly make it a beautiful resident of the island’s lush, mountainous forests.

Micronesian Imperial Pigeon

One of the largest native land birds in the region, this pigeon travels between islands to feed on fruit. Its role as a seed disperser for large-fruited trees makes it critical for forest health.

Pohnpei Lorikeet

This small, reddish-maroon parrot is endemic to Pohnpei and is its official bird. It travels in noisy flocks, feeding on nectar and pollen, and is a common, charismatic sight across the island.

Mariana Swiftlet

This small, fast-flying bird navigates and nests in total darkness using echolocation. Its populations have been decimated by predators and habitat disturbance, making cave protection critical for its survival.

Guam Rail

A flightless bird endemic to Guam, the Ko’ko’ was wiped out in the wild by the brown tree snake. It now exists only through a successful captive breeding and reintroduction program, a symbol of hope.

Micronesian Kingfisher

This beautiful kingfisher has distinct subspecies across the islands. The Guam subspecies is extinct in the wild, while the Pohnpei subspecies is highly threatened by habitat loss, highlighting the fragility of island ecosystems.

Palau Fantail

A common and active insect-eating bird found only in Palau. It is recognized by its constantly fanned reddish-brown tail and inquisitive nature, often following hikers through the forest understory.

Pohnpei Fantail

Endemic to Pohnpei, this small, energetic bird is named for its habit of fanning its dark tail to flush out insects. It is a common and conspicuous resident of the island’s wet mountain forests.

Tinian Monarch

This small flycatcher is found only on the island of Tinian. It has survived habitat destruction from WWII and agricultural development, but its small range makes it perpetually vulnerable to threats like typhoons.

Chuuk Monarch

A striking bird where males are all-white and females are mostly dark. Found only on a few small islands in the Chuuk Lagoon, it is highly vulnerable due to its extremely restricted range.

Micronesian Myzomela

This small, brightly colored honeyeater is one of Micronesia’s most common native birds. Males are strikingly black and scarlet, and their cheerful calls are a familiar sound in gardens and forests across the region.

Rota White-eye

Found only on the island of Rota, this small, yellowish bird is threatened by forest clearing for agriculture and development. Its survival depends on the protection of the island’s remaining mature native forests.

Golden White-eye

This bright, golden-orange bird is unique to Saipan and Aguiguan in the Mariana Islands. Unlike other white-eyes, it lacks the typical white eye-ring. It is threatened by habitat loss and potential predators.

Giant White-eye

Endemic to Palau, this is the largest white-eye species in the world. It is much larger and more robust than its relatives, with a distinct pale eye and a loud, melodic song.

Micronesian Starling

A widespread and adaptable native bird with glossy black plumage and a bright yellow-orange eye. It is an important seed disperser and one of the few native species that has thrived in human-altered habitats.

Pohnpei Starling

Endemic to Pohnpei, this starling is so rare it is often feared extinct, though unconfirmed sightings persist. Its drastic decline is likely due to predation by introduced rats and habitat loss.

Saltwater Crocodile

Palau is the only part of Micronesia with a native crocodile population. These massive reptiles are apex predators in the mangrove ecosystems and are both respected and feared in Palauan culture.

Green Sea Turtle

A classic symbol of the tropical ocean, green sea turtles feed on seagrass and nest on sandy beaches across Micronesia. They face threats from poaching, habitat loss, and plastic pollution.

Hawksbill Sea Turtle

This turtle is distinguished by its narrow, pointed beak, used for finding food like sponges in reef crevices. Its beautiful shell has made it a target for illegal trade, pushing it to the brink.

Mariana Monitor

This large lizard, known locally as “hilitai,” is the largest native land reptile in the Marianas. It is an important predator and scavenger, though its populations are impacted by habitat loss and feral animals.

Pacific Tree Boa

A non-venomous, nocturnal snake that lives in trees and forages on the ground for lizards and small mammals. It is one of the few native snake species found in the region.

Palau Frog

One of the very few native amphibians in Micronesia, this small frog lives among the leaf litter of Palau’s forests. Its lifecycle is entirely terrestrial, with eggs hatching directly into tiny froglets.

Napoleon Wrasse

This massive, iconic reef fish is known for the prominent hump on its head. It can live for over 30 years but is slow-growing and vulnerable to overfishing, particularly in the live reef fish trade.

Bumphead Parrotfish

The world’s largest parrotfish, it uses its powerful beak to eat coral and algae, contributing to sand production. They sleep in large groups in lagoons and are threatened by nighttime spearfishing.

Oceanic Manta Ray

These gentle giants glide through Micronesia’s waters, feeding on plankton. Yap is world-famous for its resident population of manta rays, which are a major ecotourism draw and culturally significant.

Grey Reef Shark

A common but vital apex predator on Micronesian reefs, known for its curious yet sometimes aggressive behavior. Healthy populations, like those in Palau’s shark sanctuary, indicate a thriving marine ecosystem.

Golden Jellyfish

This unique, non-stinging jellyfish subspecies is found by the millions in Palau’s famous Jellyfish Lake. They follow the sun across the lake daily to cultivate symbiotic algae within their tissues for food.

Pohnpei Mangrove Goby

A small, colorful goby endemic to Pohnpei’s clean, fast-flowing streams. The males display brilliant blue and orange colors. They are an indicator of healthy, unpolluted freshwater ecosystems on the island.

Palauan Dottyback

A small, vibrant fish with a purple body and yellow tail, found only in the waters of Palau. It is a prized species in the aquarium trade but remains common in its natural habitat.

Coconut Crab

The world’s largest land-living arthropod, this massive hermit crab can climb trees to snip coconuts. It is a highly valued food source and is threatened by over-harvesting and habitat destruction.

Giant Clam

The largest bivalve mollusk on Earth, capable of reaching over 1.2 meters in length. These filter-feeders are vital to reef health but have been over-harvested across much of their range.

Palau Nautilus

A “living fossil” endemic to the deep waters around Palau. This shelled cephalopod has remained largely unchanged for millions of years and migrates vertically at night to feed in shallower water.

Mariana Eight-spot Butterfly

This beautiful butterfly subspecies is found only in the southern Mariana Islands. It is listed as endangered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service due to threats from habitat loss and introduced predators.

Pohnpei Tree Snail

One of several highly endangered tree snails endemic to Pohnpei. These small, beautiful snails are threatened by introduced predatory snails and habitat loss, representing Micronesia’s silent extinction crisis.

Native Animals in Other Countries