Powelliphanta: Difference between revisions

Powelliphanta snail
Conservation status
	Template:StatusEndangered
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Mollusca
Class:	Gastropoda
Subclass:	Orthogastropoda
Superorder:	Heterobranchia
Order:	Pulmonata
Suborder:	Eupulmonata
Family:	Rhytididae
Genus:	Powelliphanta
Species
	See text.

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Revision as of 12:11, 27 December 2006

The shell of a species of Powelliphanta land snail.

Powelliphanta is a genus of giant, carnivorous land snails endemic to New Zealand. They live mostly in tiny pockets of moist native bush in small areas of the North and South Islands, with the greatest diversity of species in the mountains of northwest Nelson . They are sometimes known as amber snails.

There are 21 species and 51 subspecies. The relationship between the species is complex, and it has been suggested that the group Powelliphanta gilliesi-traversi-hochstetteri-rossiana-lignaria-superba forms a ring species. In November 2003 a subspecies, thought to be extinct, was rediscovered alive on the West Coast; it had last been documented on the basis of shell fragments in 1934.

These snails are real giants, with shells up to 9 cm across (Powelliphanta superba prouseorum).

Their striking delicately-patterned shells come in an array of shades, from brown or red to yellow or black. The structure of these shells is very delicate, with a very thin layer of calcium carbonate, covered by a thicker chitinous outer layer. That is why these snails need moist surroundings. Otherwise the outer layer (periostracum) dries up, shrinks and cracks.

They are carnivorous and eat mostly earthworms or slugs. They are nocturnal. They need moist surroundings and live buried under leaf mold and logs. They can live for 20 years or more and are slow to mature, reaching sexual maturity around 5 years of age. They are hermaphrodites, having both male and female characteristics. They lay 5 to 10 large eggs a year.

Their origin goes back 200 million years to the continent Gondwana. Through their isolation on New Zealand, they have evolved a unique set of characteristics. They are a testimony for New Zealand’s unique biodiversity.

An unspecified species of Powelliphanta recently appeared on a New Zealand 40-cent postage stamp.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List states for Powelliphanta marchantii a lower risk, near threatened. But most of these snails are under serious threat or even in danger of extinction. They have no defense against introduced predators, such as Common Brushtail Possums, Trichosurus velpecula, and rats. Many recovery plans are being launched by the New Zealand Department of Conservation. The subspecies Powelliphanta gilliesi brunnea and Powelliphanta traversi otakia are the most threatened.

Since 2004, plans by Solid Energy to destroy the main habitat of 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 Mt Augustus. In May 2005 they sought a permit from the Department of Conservation to translocate some Powelliphanta "Augustus" but 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.^[1] This was condemned by Forest and Bird, by the Save Happy Valley Coalition [1] and by the Green Party,^[2] 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. Powelliphanta "augustus" numbers 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 planned opencast mine expansion at Stockton were released back into the wild.

A further 20 snails collected from the ridgeline of the mine site were also released about 800 m from where they were found.

The giant carnivorous snails, Powelliphanta "augustus", were released into an area of the Stockton Plateau that will not be mined.

Species and subspecies

Undescribed species

Undescribed subspecies

Powelliphanta gilliesi "Haidinger"
Powelliphanta gilliesi "Heaphy"
Powelliphanta rossiana "Fox"
Powelliphanta superba "Gouland Range"
Powelliphanta superba "Gunner River"

Notes

^ Permits approved to move Mt Augustus snails. NZ Government press release, 12 April 2006
^ Snails sold out by State to Solid Energy. Green Party press release, 12 April 2006.

[1] Permits approved to move Mt Augustus snails. NZ Government press release, 12 April 2006

[Greens-2] Snails sold out by State to Solid Energy. Green Party press release, 12 April 2006.

[1]

[2]

@@ Line 13: / Line 13: @@
 | genus = '''''Powelliphanta'''''
 | subdivision_ranks = '''[[Species]]'''
-| subdivision =
+| subdivision = See text.
-''[[Powelliphanta gilliesi]]''<br>
-''[[Powelliphanta hochstetteri]]''<br>
-''[[Powelliphanta lignaria]]''<br>
-''[[Powelliphanta marchanti]]''<br>
-''[[Powelliphanta patrickensis]]''<br>
-''[[Powelliphanta rossiana]] ''<br>
-''[[Powelliphanta spedeni]]''<br>
-''[[Powelliphanta superba]]''<br>
-''[[Powelliphanta taranaki]]''<br>
-''[[Powelliphanta traversi]]''<br>
-and others
 }}
-<div style="float:right;">[[Image:Powelliphanta shell.jpg]]<br><small>The shell of a species of land snail.</small></div>
+<div style="float:right;">[[Image:Powelliphanta shell.jpg]]<br><small>The shell of a species of ''Powelliphanta'' land snail.</small></div>
-'''''Powelliphanta''''' is a genus of giant, carnivorous land snails from [[New Zealand]]. They live mostly in tiny pockets of moist native bush in small areas of the North and South Islands, with the greatest diversity of species in the mountains of North West Nelson. They are sometimes known as '''amber snails'''.
+'''''Powelliphanta''''' is a genus of giant, carnivorous land snails [[endemic (ecology)|endemic]] to [[New Zealand]]. They live mostly in tiny pockets of moist native bush in small areas of the [[North Island|North]] and [[South Island]]s, with the greatest diversity of species in the mountains of northwest [[Nelson, New Zealand|Nelson]] . They are sometimes known as '''amber snails'''.
 There are 21 species and 51 subspecies. The relationship between the species is complex, and it has been suggested that the group ''Powelliphanta gilliesi-traversi-hochstetteri-rossiana-lignaria-superba'' forms a [[ring species]]. In November 2003 a subspecies, thought to be extinct, was rediscovered alive on the West Coast; it had last been documented on the basis of shell fragments in 1934.
-These snails are real giants, with shells up to 9 cm across (''Powelliphanta superba prouseorum'').
+These snails are real giants, with shells up to 9 [[centimetre|cm]] across (''Powelliphanta superba prouseorum'').
-Their striking delicately-patterned shells come in an array of shades, from brown or red to yellow or black. The structure of these shells is very delicate, with a very thin layer of calcium carbonate, covered by a thicker [[Chitin|chitinous]] outer layer. That is why these snails need moist surroundings. Otherwise the outer layer ([[periostracum]]) dries up, shrinks and cracks.
+Their striking delicately-patterned shells come in an array of shades, from brown or red to yellow or black. The structure of these shells is very delicate, with a very thin layer of [[calcium carbonate]], covered by a thicker [[Chitin|chitinous]] outer layer. That is why these snails need moist surroundings. Otherwise the outer layer ([[periostracum]]) dries up, shrinks and cracks.
-They are [[carnivorous]] and eat mostly earthworms or slugs. They are [[nocturnal]]. They need moist surroundings and live buried under leaf mold and logs.
+They are [[carnivorous]] and eat mostly earthworms or slugs. They are [[nocturnal]]. They need moist surroundings and live buried under leaf mold and logs.  They can live for 20 years or more and are slow to mature, reaching sexual maturity around 5 years of age. They are [[hermaphrodite]]s, having both male and female characteristics. They lay 5 to 10 large eggs a year.
-They can live for 20 years or more and are slow to mature, reaching sexual maturity around 5 years of age. They are [[hermaphrodite]]s, having both male and female characteristics. They lay 5 to 10 large eggs a year.
-Their origin goes back 200 million years to the continent [[Gondwana]]. Through their isolation on New Zealand, they have evolved into a unique set of characteristics. They are a testimony for New Zealand’s unique biodiversity.
+Their origin goes back 200 million years to the continent [[Gondwana]]. Through their isolation on New Zealand, they have evolved a unique set of characteristics. They are a testimony for New Zealand’s unique biodiversity.
 An unspecified species of ''Powelliphanta'' recently appeared on a New Zealand 40-cent [[postage stamp]].
 == Conservation status ==
-The IUCN Red List  states for ''Powelliphanta marchantii '' a lower risk, near threatened. But most of these snails are under serious threat or even in danger of extinction. They have no defense against introduced predators, such as [[Common Brushtail Possum]]s (''Trichosurus velpecula'') and [[rat]]s. Many recovery plans are being launched by the Department of Conservation of New Zealand. The subspecies ''Powelliphanta gilliesi brunnea'' and ''Powelliphanta traversi atakia'' are the most threatened.
+The IUCN Red List states for ''Powelliphanta marchantii'' a lower risk, near threatened. But most of these snails are under serious threat or even in danger of extinction. They have no defense against introduced predators, such as [[Common Brushtail Possum]]s, ''Trichosurus velpecula'', and [[rat]]s. Many recovery plans are being launched by the [[New Zealand Department of Conservation]]. The subspecies ''Powelliphanta gilliesi brunnea'' and ''Powelliphanta traversi otakia'' are the most threatened.
-Since 2004, plans by [[Solid Energy]] to destroy the main habitat of ''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 Mt Augustus.  In May 2005, they sought a permit from the Department of Conservation to translocate some Powelliphanta "Augustus" but intended to begin mining regardless of whether the permit was granted or not.  The [[Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand|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 Ministers of Energy for this translocation, as well as any transfer by heavy machinery, and any impact on habitat. Permission was granted in April 2006 for this translocation plan.<ref>[http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00233.htm Permits approved to move Mt Augustus snails]. NZ Government press release, [[12 April]] [[2006]]</ref> 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] and by the [[Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand|Green Party]],<ref name="Greens">[http://www.greens.org.nz/searchdocs/PR9744.html Snails sold out by State to Solid Energy]. Green Party press release, [[12 April]] [[2006]].</ref> 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.  ''Powelliphanta "augustus"'' numbers are estimated to be less than 500, and their existing habitat covers 3-4 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, New Zealand|Mount Burnett]], in [[Golden Bay]].
+Since 2004, plans by [[Solid Energy]] to destroy the main habitat of ''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 Mt Augustus.  In May 2005 they sought a permit from the Department of Conservation to translocate some ''Powelliphanta "Augustus"'' but intended to begin mining regardless of whether the permit was granted or not.  The [[Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand|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.<ref>[http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00233.htm Permits approved to move Mt Augustus snails]. NZ Government press release, [[12 April]] [[2006]]</ref> 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] and by the [[Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand|Green Party]],<ref name="Greens">[http://www.greens.org.nz/searchdocs/PR9744.html Snails sold out by State to Solid Energy]. Green Party press release, [[12 April]] [[2006]].</ref> 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.  ''Powelliphanta "augustus"'' numbers are estimated to be less than 500, and their existing habitat covers 3 to 4 [[hectare|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, New Zealand|Mount Burnett]], in [[Golden Bay]].
 On 4 December 2006 twenty snails removed from Solid Energy's planned opencast mine expansion at Stockton were released back into the wild.
@@ Line 53: / Line 41: @@
 A further 20 snails collected from the ridgeline of the mine site were also released about 800 [[metre|m]] from where they were found.
-The giant carnivorous snails, ''Powelliphanta augustus'', were released into an area of the Stockton Plateau that will not be mined.
+The giant carnivorous snails, ''Powelliphanta "augustus"'', were released into an area of the Stockton Plateau that will not be mined.
+==Species and subspecies==
+* ''[[Powelliphanta annectens]]''
+* ''[[Powelliphanta augustus]]''
+* ''[[Powelliphanta fletcheri]]''
+* ''[[Powelliphanta fiordlandica]]''
+* ''[[Powelliphanta gagei]]''
+* ''[[Powelliphanta gilliesi]]''
+** ''[[Powelliphanta gilliesi aurea]]''
+** ''[[Powelliphanta gilliesi brunnea]]''
+** ''[[Powelliphanta gilliesi compta]]''
+** ''[[Powelliphanta gilliesi fallax]]''
+** ''[[Powelliphanta gilliesi gilliesi]]''
+** ''[[Powelliphanta gilliesi kahurangica]]''
+** ''[[Powelliphanta gilliesi jamesoni]]''
+** ''[[Powelliphanta gilliesi montana]]''
+** ''[[Powelliphanta gilliesi subfusca]]''
+* ''[[Powelliphanta hochstetteri]]''
+** ''[[Powelliphanta hochstetteri bicolor]]''
+** ''[[Powelliphanta hochstetteri consobrina]]''
+** ''[[Powelliphanta hochstetteri hochstetteri]]''
+** ''[[Powelliphanta hochstetteri obscura]]''
+* ''[[Powelliphanta lignaria]]''
+** ''[[Powelliphanta lignaria johnstoni]]''
+** ''[[Powelliphanta lignaria lignaria]]''
+** ''[[Powelliphanta lignaria lusca]]''
+** ''[[Powelliphanta lignaria oconnori]]''
+** ''[[Powelliphanta lignaria rotella]]''
+** ''[[Powelliphanta lignaria ruforadiata]]''
+** ''[[Powelliphanta lignaria unicolorata]]''
+* ''[[Powelliphanta marchanti]]''
+* ''[[Powelliphanta patrickensis]]''
+* ''[[Powelliphanta rossiana]]''
+** ''[[Powelliphanta rossiana rossiana]]''
+* ''[[Powelliphanta spedeni]]''
+** ''[[Powelliphanta spedeni lateumbilicata]]''
+** ''[[Powelliphanta spedeni spedeni]]''
+* ''[[Powelliphanta superba]]''
+** ''[[Powelliphanta superba harveyi]]''
+** ''[[Powelliphanta superba mouatae]]''
+** ''[[Powelliphanta superba prouseorum]]''
+** ''[[Powelliphanta superba richardsoni]]''
+** ''[[Powelliphanta superba superba]]''
+* ''[[Powelliphanta taranaki]]''
+* ''[[Powelliphanta traversi]]''
+** ''[[Powelliphanta traversi florida]]''
+** ''[[Powelliphanta traversi latizona]]''
+** ''[[Powelliphanta traversi koputaroa]]''
+** ''[[Powelliphanta traversi otakia]]''
+** ''[[Powelliphanta traversi tararuaensis]]''
+** ''[[Powelliphanta traversi traversi]]''
+===Undescribed species===
+* ''[[Powelliphanta Sp.Anatoki Range]]''
+* ''[[Powelliphanta Sp.Augustus]]''
+* ''[[Powelliphanta Sp.Baton]]''
+* ''[[Powelliphanta Sp.Buller River]]''
+* ''[[Powelliphanta Sp.Egmont]]''
+* ''[[Powelliphanta Sp.Garabaldi]]''
+* ''[[Powelliphanta Sp.Haast]]''
+* ''[[Powelliphanta Sp.Kirwans]]''
+* ''[[Powelliphanta Sp.Lodestone]]''
+* ''[[Powelliphanta Sp.Matakitaki]]''
+* ''[[Powelliphanta Sp.Matiri]]''
+* ''[[Powelliphanta Sp.Maungahuru]]''
+* ''[[Powelliphanta Sp.Nelson Lakes]]''
+* ''[[Powelliphanta Sp.Owen]]''
+* ''[[Powelliphanta Sp.Parapara]]''
+* ''[[Powelliphanta Sp.patrickensis]]''
+* ''[[Powelliphanta Sp.Urewera]]''
+* ''[[Powelliphanta Sp.vittatus]]''
+===Undescribed subspecies===
+* ''[[Powelliphanta gilliesi "Haidinger"]]''
+* ''[[Powelliphanta gilliesi "Heaphy"]]''
+* ''[[Powelliphanta rossiana "Fox"]]''
+* ''[[Powelliphanta superba "Gouland Range"]]''
+* ''[[Powelliphanta superba "Gunner River"]]''
 ==Notes==
@@ Line 59: / Line 125: @@
 ==External link==
-*[http://www.doc.govt.nz/Conservation/001~Plants-and-Animals/001~Native-Animals/Powelliphanta-Land-Snail.asp Department of Conservation information.]
+* [http://www.doc.govt.nz/Conservation/001~Plants-and-Animals/001~Native-Animals/Powelliphanta-Land-Snail.asp Department of Conservation information.]
+* [http://www.doc.govt.nz/upload/documents/science-and-technical/TSRP49.pdf Department of Conservation recovery plan]
 [[Category:Snails]]