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{{Taxobox
{{Taxobox
| name = ''Powelliphanta'' sp. from Mount Augustus
| name = ''Powelliphanta'' "Augustus"
| image = Powelliphanta shell.jpg
| image = Powelliphanta shell.jpg
| image_caption = A ''Powelliphanta'' of unknown species.
| image_caption = A ''Powelliphanta'' of unknown species.
Line 14: Line 14:
}}
}}


This is a yet-unnamed ''Powelliphanta'' species, provisionally known as '''''Powelliphanta'' sp. from Mount Augustus'''. This is one of the amber snails. It is an undescribed [[species]] of large, carnivorous land [[snail]], a [[Terrestrial animal|terrestrial]] [[pulmonate]] [[gastropod]] [[mollusc]] in the [[family (biology)|family]] [[Rhytididae]].
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 animal|terrestrial]] [[pulmonate]] [[gastropod]] [[mollusc]] in the [[family (biology)|family]] [[Rhytididae]].


==Distribution==
==Distribution==
This undescribed species is [[endemism|endemic]] to the [[South Island]] of [[New Zealand]]. It is found only on a 5 [[hectare]] area on the [[Mount Augustus, New Zealand|Mount Augustus]] ridgeline northeast of [[Westport, New Zealand|Westport]].
The species is [[endemism|endemic]] to the [[South Island]] of [[New Zealand]]. It was found only on the [[Mount Augustus, New Zealand|Mount Augustus]] ridgeline northeast of [[Westport, New Zealand|Westport]] which has since been removed by mining operations.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>


The total population is estimated at only 800 to 1,000 snails, but [[New Zealand Department of Conservation|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, New Zealand|Nelson]] Botanical Society, however, the Department of Conservation was unaware of its existence until 2004.
The total population is estimated at only 800 to 1,000 snails, but [[New Zealand Department of Conservation|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, New Zealand|Nelson]] Botanical Society, however, the Department of Conservation was unaware of its existence until 2004.
Line 25: Line 39:


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


==Update on the species==
==Update on the species==
Since 2004, plans by [[Solid Energy]] to destroy the main habitat of the ''Powelliphanta'' sp. from Mount 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.
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, New Zealand|Mount Augustus]].


In May 2005 Solid Energy sought a permit from the New Zealand Department of Conservation to translocate some ''Powelliphanta'' sp. from Mount Augustus, but they intended to begin mining regardless of whether the permit was granted or not.
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.<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>
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.<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 of Aotearoa New Zealand|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. The numbers of this ''Powelliphanta'' species 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]].
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 of Aotearoa New Zealand|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. The numbers of this ''Powelliphanta'' species 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, New Zealand|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.<ref>[http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/3904065a6013.html One of 20 relocated snails found eaten]. Press release, [[19 December]] [[2006]]</ref>
On 4 December 2006 twenty snails removed from Solid Energy's opencast mine expansion at [[Stockton, New Zealand|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.<ref>[http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/3904065a6013.html One of 20 relocated snails found eaten]. Press release, [[19 December]] [[2006]]</ref>
A further 20 snails collected from the ridgeline of the mine site were also released about 800 [[metre|m]] from where they were found into an area of the Stockton Plateau that will not be mined.
A further 20 snails collected from the ridgeline of the mine site were also released about 800 [[metre|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.<ref>[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10418194 Another 200 snails to be released] Press release, [[8 January]] [[2007]]</ref>
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.<ref>[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10418194 Another 200 snails to be released] Press release, [[8 January]] [[2007]]</ref>

==Notes==
<references/>


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
* [[Arthur William Baden Powell|Powell A W B]], ''New Zealand Mollusca'', William Collins Publishers Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand [[1979]] ISBN 0-00-216906-1
* [[Arthur William Baden Powell|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]
* [http://www.terranature.org/snailTranslocation.htm TerraNature]

* [http://www.doc.govt.nz/templates/MultipageDocumentPage.aspx?id=39593 New Zealand Department of Conservation Threatened Species Classification]


[[Category:Molluscs of New Zealand]]
[[Category:Molluscs of New Zealand]]

Revision as of 21:36, 23 April 2008

Powelliphanta "Augustus"
A Powelliphanta of unknown species.
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Mollusca
Class:
Gastropoda
Order:
Pulmonata
Family:
Rhytididae
Genus:
Powelliphanta
Species:
Not yet undescribed

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.[1]

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.[citation needed] 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.[2]

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.[3]

This was condemned by Forest and Bird, by the Save Happy Valley Coalition [1] and by the Green Party,[4] 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.[5]

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.[6]

References

  1. ^ Trewick, Steven (2007-12-11). "Taxonomic and conservation status of a newly discovered giant landsnail from Mount Augustus, New Zealand". Conservation Genetics. doi:10.1007/s10592-007-9495-8. Retrieved 2008-04-24. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  2. ^ New Zealand Threatened Species Classification Department of Conservation (New Zealand)
  3. ^ Permits approved to move Mt Augustus snails. NZ Government press release, 12 April 2006
  4. ^ Snails sold out by State to Solid Energy. Green Party Press release, 12 April 2006.
  5. ^ One of 20 relocated snails found eaten. Press release, 19 December 2006
  6. ^ Another 200 snails to be released Press release, 8 January 2007
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