Powelliphanta "Owen"

Powelliphanta Sp.Owen
A Powelliphanta of unknown species.
Conservation status
Endangered
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Mollusca
Class:	Gastropoda
Order:	Pulmonata
Family:	Rhytididae
Genus:	Powelliphanta
Species:	P. Sp.Owen
Binomial name
Powelliphanta Sp.Owen not yet described

Powelliphanta Sp.Owen is a very rare undescribed large terrestrial mollusc in the family Rhytididae, endemic to the South Island of New Zealand. It is found only on Mount Owen in the Kahurangi National Park.

Its habitat is under litter and under the skirts of prickly shield fern, Astelia norvosa, and bush tussock, in stunted silver beech forest, around the treeline at altitudes of between 1,250 and 1,500 m above sea level. It is also found under mountain flax and turpentine scrub. This species is apparently mostly confined to calcium-rich soils on a marble substrate, but some also occur on calcareous mudstones and sandstones.

The shell has a reddish hue to the upper surface and, particularly on the base, dark reddish-brown axial stripes that are uneven and infrequent.

Powelliphanta Sp.Owen is predated upon by Thrushes, Hedgehogs and Pigs, and the moist deep litter layer is under threat of being reduced and dried out by the actions of an array of introduced mammalian pests.

Major diameter is up to 38 mm, and height up to 17 mm.

Powelliphanta Sp.Owen is classified by the New Zealand Department of Conservation as Nationally Endangered.

References

• Powell A W B, New Zealand Mollusca, William Collins Publishers Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand 1979 ISBN 0-00-216906-1
• Department of Conservation Recovery Plans
• New Zealand Department of Conservation Threatened Species Classification