Powelliphanta "Augustus"

Taxobox
name = "Powelliphanta" "Augustus"


image_caption = A "Powelliphanta" "Augustus" from the upper Waimangaroa River.
image_width = 250px
status = CR
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Mollusca
classis = Gastropoda
ordo = Pulmonata
familia = Rhytididae
genus = "Powelliphanta"
species = Not yet described

This is a yet-unnamed "Powelliphanta" species, provisionally known as "Powelliphanta" "Augustus". This is one of the amber snails. It is an undescribed species of large, carnivorous land snail, a terrestrial pulmonate gastropod mollusc in the family Rhytididae.

Distribution

The species is endemic to the South Island of New Zealand. It was found only on the Mount Augustus ridgeline northeast of Westport which has since been removed by mining operations. [cite journal
last = Trewick
first = Steven
authorlink =
coauthors = Kath J. Walker and Corina J. Jordan
title = Taxonomic and conservation status of a newly discovered giant landsnail from Mount Augustus, New Zealand
journal = Conservation Genetics
volume =
issue =
pages =
date = 2007-12-11
url = http://www.springerlink.com/content/n5063n183115j524/
doi = 10.1007/s10592-007-9495-8
id =
accessdate = 2008-04-24 ]

The total population is estimated at only 800 to 1,000 snails, but Department of Conservation scientists state it is likely there are even fewer.Fact|date=November 2007 The species was first discovered in 1996 by members of the Nelson Botanical Society, however, the Department of Conservation was unaware of its existence until 2004.

Description

The eggs are between 5 and 6 mm in diameter, with a calcium shell.

Conservation status

The species is listed as "Nationally Critical" on the New Zealand Threat Classification System. [ [http://www.doc.govt.nz/templates/MultipageDocumentPage.aspx?id=39593 New Zealand Threatened Species Classification] Department of Conservation (New Zealand)]

Update on the species

Since 2004, plans by Solid Energy to destroy the main habitat of the "Powelliphanta" "Augustus" while mining for coal caused controversy (see Save Happy Valley Campaign). Solid Energy, whose past mining activities had already significantly reduced the species' habitat, plan to mine the skyline ridge including Mount Augustus.

In May 2005 Solid Energy sought a permit from the New Zealand Department of Conservation to translocate some "Powelliphanta" "Augustus", but they intended to begin mining regardless of whether the permit was granted or not.

The Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society obtained a declaration in December 2005 from the High Court requiring "Solid Energy" to get permission from the Minister of Conservation and the Minister of Energy for this translocation, as well as any transfer of heavy machinery, and any impact on habitat. Permission was granted in April 2006 for this translocation plan. [ [http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00233.htm Permits approved to move Mt Augustus snails] . NZ Government press release, 12 April 2006]

This was condemned by Forest and Bird, by the Save Happy Valley Coalition [ [http://www.savehappyvalley.org.nz/pressreleases/pr_12-04-06_shvc.htm Carter signs off on species extinction] , Press Release: Save Happy Valley Coalition 12th April 2006, retrieved 5 May 2008.] and by the Green Party, [http://www.greens.org.nz/searchdocs/PR9744.html Snails sold out by State to Solid Energy] . Green Party Press release, 12 April 2006.] in part because of significant doubts as to whether the translocation would succeed, and the lack of guarantee that this measure would protect the species from extinction. The numbers of this "Powelliphanta" species are estimated to be less than 500, and their existing habitat covers 3 to 4 ha. The Wildlife Permit grants Solid Energy permission to mine 96% of this area. There is also concern over the destruction of "Powelliphanta" habitat by the mining company OMYA on Mount Burnett, in Golden Bay. On 4 December 2006 twenty snails removed from Solid Energy's opencast mine expansion at Stockton were released back into the wild. On 19 December 2006 it was announced that one of the 20 relocated snails had been found dead. [ [http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/3904065a6013.html One of 20 relocated snails found eaten] . 19 December 2006] A further 20 snails collected from the ridgeline of the mine site were also released about 800 m from where they were found into an area of the Stockton Plateau that will not be mined.

On 8 January 2007 the Department of Conservation announced plans to release another 200 snails back into the wild at Stockton open cast mine in a few days time. [ [http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10418194 Another 200 snails to be released] , 8 January 2007]

References

Further reading

* Powell A W B, "New Zealand Mollusca", William Collins Publishers Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand 1979 ISBN 0-00-216906-1
* [http://www.terranature.org/snailTranslocation.htm TerraNature] - "High risk of extinction from Powelliphanta snail translocation"