Polynesian Tree Snail
CR

Polynesian Tree Snail

Partula arguta

Unknown

Photo: Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

Overview

Partula arguta was a species of air-breathing tropical land snail, a terrestrial pulmonate gastropod mollusk in the family Partulidae. This species is endemic to French Polynesia. The last captive individual died on April 14, 1994, and the species is considered possibly extinct, with a 85-90% chance of being extinct.

Partula arguta faces extinction primarily due to predation by the introduced carnivorous snail Euglandina rosea, which was deliberately introduced to Pacific islands in the 1970s as a misguided biological control agent. The species has also suffered from habitat destruction through deforestation and urban development across its native range in French Polynesia. Competition from other introduced mollusks and the impacts of invasive plant species that alter native forest structure have further compromised remaining populations.

Threat summary

Habitat

Partula arguta inhabits native tropical forests and woodland areas in French Polynesia, typically found on vegetation and leaf litter in humid, shaded environments. The species requires specific microhabitat conditions including adequate moisture levels and native plant communities that provide both food sources and shelter.

Forest· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recovery

Other threatened species in PARTULIDAE

EN

Fiji Ridged Tree Snail

Partula lirata

Unknown
VU

Palau Rock Snail

Sphendone insolita

Unknown
CR

Partula incrassa

Unknown
Futuna Tree SnailCR

Futuna Tree Snail

Partula obesa

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Polynesian Tree Snail classified as Critically Endangered?
Polynesian Tree Snail 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. Partula arguta faces extinction primarily due to predation by the introduced carnivorous snail Euglandina rosea, which was deliberately introduced to Pacific islands in the 1970s as a misguided biological control agent. The species has also suffered from habitat destruction through deforestation and urban development across its native range in French Polynesia. Competition from other introduced mollusks and the impacts of invasive plant species that alter native forest structure have further compromised remaining populations.
Where does Polynesian Tree Snail live?
Polynesian Tree Snail 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 Polynesian Tree Snail?
The main threats to Polynesian Tree Snail are 8.1, 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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