CR

Opisthostoma otostoma

Unknown

Overview

Opisthostoma otostoma is a species of small land snail with an operculum, a terrestrial gastropod mollusc in the family Diplommatinidae.

Opisthostoma otostoma faces severe threats from limestone quarrying activities that directly destroy its cave and karst habitat in Peninsular Malaysia. The species' extremely restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat modification, with ongoing quarrying operations fragmenting the remaining suitable limestone formations. Urban development and infrastructure expansion in the region further compound these pressures by altering drainage patterns and microclimate conditions essential for this specialized cave-dwelling snail.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits limestone caves and karst formations in Peninsular Malaysia, requiring specific microclimate conditions found in these calcium-rich environments. It occupies the twilight zones of caves where humidity levels remain consistently high and temperature fluctuations are minimal.

Forest - Subtropical/tropical moist lowland· majorRocky areas· major

Other threatened species in DIPLOMMATINIDAE

EN

Diplommatina pyramis

Unknown
CR

Opisthostoma perspectivum

Declining
VU

Opisthostoma bihamulatum

Stable
CR

Opisthostoma fraternum

Declining

Threatened in Malaysia

Acropora hemprichiiEN

Acropora hemprichii

Declining
VU

Podocarpus ridleyi

Declining
EN

Benstonea saint-johnii

Unknown
VU

Hopea coriacea

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Opisthostoma otostoma classified as Critically Endangered?
Opisthostoma otostoma 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. Opisthostoma otostoma faces severe threats from limestone quarrying activities that directly destroy its cave and karst habitat in Peninsular Malaysia. The species' extremely restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat modification, with ongoing quarrying operations fragmenting the remaining suitable limestone formations. Urban development and infrastructure expansion in the region further compound these pressures by altering drainage patterns and microclimate conditions essential for this specialized cave-dwelling snail.
Where does Opisthostoma otostoma live?
Opisthostoma otostoma occurs in Malaysia. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Opisthostoma otostoma?
The main threats to Opisthostoma otostoma are 1.1, ai-1, ai-2, and ai-3. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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