Powelliphanta augusta: Difference between revisions

Powelliphanta Sp.Augustus
A Powelliphanta of unknown species.
Conservation status
Critically endangered
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Mollusca
Class:	Gastropoda
Order:	Pulmonata
Family:	Rhytididae
Genus:	Powelliphanta
Species:	P. Sp.Augustus
Trinomial name
Powelliphanta Sp.Augustus not yet described

Powelliphanta Sp.Augustus is a vary rare undescribed and endangered giant terrestrial mollusc in the family Rhytididae, endemic to the South Island of New Zealand. It is found only on a 5 hectare area on the Mt Augustus ridgeline northeast of Westport.

The total population is estimated at only 800 to 1,000 snails, but New Zealand Department of Conservation scientists state it is likely there are less. It was discovered in 1996 by members of the Nelson Botanical Society, however, the Department of Conservation was unaware of its' existence until 2004.

The species is listed as Nationally Critical on the New Zealand Threatened Species Classification.

Since 2004, plans by Solid Energy to destroy the main habitat of Powelliphanta Sp.Augustus while mining for coal caused controversy (see Save Happy Valley Campaign). Solid Energy, whose past mining activities had already significantly reduced the species' habitat, plan to mine the skyline ridge including Mt Augustus. In May 2005 they sought a permit from the New Zealand Department of Conservation to translocate some Powelliphanta Sp.Augustus but intended to begin mining regardless of whether the permit was granted or not. The Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society obtained a declaration in December 2005 from the High Court requiring Solid Energy to get permission from the Minister of Conservation and the Minister of Energy for this translocation, as well as any transfer of heavy machinery, and any impact on habitat. Permission was granted in April 2006 for this translocation plan.^[1] This was condemned by the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society, by the Save Happy Valley Coalition [1] and by the Green Party,^[2] in part because of significant doubts as to whether the translocation would succeed, and the lack of guarantee that this measure would protect the species from extinction. Powelliphanta Sp.Augustus numbers are estimated to be less than 500, and their existing habitat covers 3 to 4 ha. The Wildlife Permit grants Solid Energy permission to mine 96% of this area. There is also concern over the destruction of Powelliphanta habitat by the mining company OMYA on Mount Burnett, in Golden Bay.

On 4 December 2006 twenty snails removed from Solid Energy's planned opencast mine expansion at Stockton were released back into the wild.

A further 20 snails collected from the ridgeline of the mine site were also released about 800 m from where they were found.

The giant carnivorous snails, Powelliphanta Sp.Augustus, were released into an area of the Stockton Plateau that will not be mined.

• Powell A W B, New Zealand Mollusca, William Collins Publishers Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand 1979 ISBN 0-00-216906-1
• TerraNature