CR

Achatinella sowerbyana

Unknown

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Achatinella sowerbyana faces severe population decline primarily due to predation by introduced species, particularly the rosy wolfsnail (Euglandina rosea) and various rat species that consume both adults and eggs. Habitat degradation from invasive plant species and human development has fragmented the remaining native forest areas essential for this species' survival. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the moisture and temperature conditions required for these arboreal snails in Hawaii's montane forests.

Threat summary

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 native vegetation communities that provide both food sources and the specific microclimate conditions necessary for reproduction and survival.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in ACHATINELLIDAE

VU

Lamellidea biplicata

Unknown
VU

Lamellidea ogasawarana

Unknown
EN

Newcombia lirata

Unknown
EN

Newcombia canaliculata

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Achatinella sowerbyana classified as Critically Endangered?
Achatinella sowerbyana is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Achatinella sowerbyana faces severe population decline primarily due to predation by introduced species, particularly the rosy wolfsnail (Euglandina rosea) and various rat species that consume both adults and eggs. Habitat degradation from invasive plant species and human development has fragmented the remaining native forest areas essential for this species' survival. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the moisture and temperature conditions required for these arboreal snails in Hawaii's montane forests.
Where does Achatinella sowerbyana live?
Achatinella sowerbyana occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Achatinella sowerbyana?
The main threats to Achatinella sowerbyana are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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