Achatinella mustelina
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achatinella_mustelina
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Achatinella mustelina faces severe population decline primarily due to predation by introduced species, particularly the rosy wolfsnail (Euglandina rosea) and rats, which consume both adults and juveniles. Habitat degradation from invasive plant species and human development has fragmented the remaining native forest areas essential for this arboreal snail's survival. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns that affect the moisture-dependent microhabitats these snails require.
Habitat
This endemic Hawaiian tree snail inhabits native montane forests on Oahu, typically found on native trees and shrubs in areas with high humidity and consistent moisture. The species requires intact forest canopy and specific microhabitat conditions provided by native vegetation between 300-600 meters elevation.