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Cyclone Dani and cyclone Ella battered the northern island of Espiritu Santo early in 1999. Both cyclones were reported to have resulted in heavy rain and wind damage to the Vatthe Conservation Area. Charles Vatu, Conservation Area Support Officer estimated that about 20% of the rainforest trees in the CA were wind thrown and another 70% branchless. Damage to the ecotourism infrastructure, bungalows and trails and houses in both Sara and Matantas Villages were also reported.

This report presents the results of an ifilele (Intsia bijuga) timber inventory of the Uafato Conservation Area (CA) on Upolu island, Samoa. It provides data on which to base recommendations for the sustainable management of ifilele in the CA. The inventory included a three week field survey of ifilele and a shorter community survey of ifilele harvesting practices in the conservation area.