Variable Partula
The Variable Partula was endemic to Huahine, Society Islands, French Polynesia. Since 2000 no live individuals were found in the wild during surveys. Since 2009 the species is considered Extinct in the Wild (EW).
The extinction of the Variable Partula in the wild is attributed to predation by an invasive carnivorous snail species, Rosy Wolf Snail (Euglandina rosea), that was introduced to Huahine in the early 1990s to eliminate another invasive species, attempt to eliminate another invasive species, the African Giant Land Snail (Achatina fulica). The carnivorous snail started to feed on endemic Partula species instead.
The Variable Partula is now a subject to ex situ breeding programmes.
Conservation
■ Listed as Extinct in the Wild (EW) in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
■ The species is managed under the EEP (EAZA Ex-situ Programme). Currently it is coordinated by London Zoo.
Taxonomy
■ Phylum Mollusca – mollusks
■ Class Gastropoda – gastropods
■ Order Stylommatophora – stylommatophorids
■ Family Partulidae – partulids
■ Species Partula varia – Variable Partula
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