CR

Tahiti Glossy Tree Snail

Partula laevigata

Unknown

Overview

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

Partula laevigata 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 species and the small, fragmented nature of remaining populations further threaten this endemic tree snail's survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

Partula laevigata inhabits native montane forests and valley vegetation in French Polynesia, typically found on endemic trees and shrubs where it feeds on fungal films and decaying plant matter. The species requires humid, shaded forest environments with specific microclimate conditions that support both the snails and their fungal food sources.

Forest· major

Conservation measures underway

Ex-situ conservation

Other threatened species in PARTULIDAE

EN

Fiji Ridged Tree Snail

Partula lirata

Unknown
VU

Palau Rock Snail

Sphendone insolita

Unknown
CR

Pilsbry's Tree Snail

Samoana pilsbryi

Unknown
CR

Partula incrassa

Unknown

Threatened in French Polynesia

EN

Pocillopora zelli

Declining
EN

Samoana gonochila

Declining
CR

Samoana minuta

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Tahiti Glossy Tree Snail classified as Critically Endangered?
Tahiti Glossy 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 laevigata 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 species and the small, fragmented nature of remaining populations further threaten this endemic tree snail's survival.
Where does Tahiti Glossy Tree Snail live?
Tahiti Glossy Tree Snail occurs in French Polynesia. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Tahiti Glossy Tree Snail?
The main threats to Tahiti Glossy Tree Snail 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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