Tricula mahadevensis

Tricula mahadevensis is a freshwater gastropod mollusk endemic to Nepal, belonging to the family Pomatiopsidae. This small aquatic snail serves as an intermediate host in disease transmission cycles and plays a role in freshwater ecosystem nutrient cycling through its feeding on organic matter and biofilm formation on substrates.

This species is found exclusively in Nepal, where it inhabits freshwater environments within forested watersheds. The snail requires clean, flowing water systems typical of Nepal's mountainous terrain, where forest cover helps maintain water quality and stable hydrological conditions essential for its survival.

The primary threat to *Tricula mahadevensis* is pollution affecting its freshwater habitat. While the specific nature of this pollution remains poorly documented, contamination of Nepal's waterways from various sources poses ongoing risks to water quality parameters that this species requires. The degradation of forest habitats that protect watershed integrity compounds these pollution pressures.

Currently listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN, *Tricula mahadevensis* faces an uncertain future with its population trend unknown due to limited monitoring data. No specific conservation programs targeting this species have been documented, reflecting the broader challenge of protecting Nepal's lesser-known freshwater invertebrates.

The species' trajectory remains unclear given the lack of population data and ongoing, unspecified pollution threats. Without targeted research to identify specific pollution sources and implement habitat protection measures, the conservation status of this endemic Nepalese gastropod is likely to remain precarious.