navigation
Newsletter Lesson PlansVideo Podcasts About us Learning Store donate



Sponsors

Mission Crew Lectures Services Contact Us

OAHU TREE SNAIL VIDEO

BY EXPLORE BIODIVERSITY


VIEW FOOTAGE OF A WOLF SNAIL DEVOURING A SMALL SNAIL

Tree Snail Facts

  1. How many species remain?
  2. How do they reproduce?
  3. How long do they live?
  4. What do they eat?
  5. What efforts are going on to save the tree snails?
  6. How can you help?
  7. Links to other Oahu Tree Snail information:

How many species remain?

While Oahu used to have nearly 42 different snails, there remain now only about 7-8 snails and all but two are endangered. These snails remain in captivity at the University of Hawaii, where breeding efforts are underway to increase populations to be re-introduced in the wild.

  • OAHU TREE SNAILAuriculella pulchra
  • Achatinella apexfulva
  • Achatinella bulimoides
  • Achatinella byronii
  • Achatinella curta
  • Achatinella decipiens
  • Achatinella dimorpha
  • Achatinella leucorraphe
  • Achatinella lila
  • Achatinella livida
  • Achatinella mustelina
  • Achatinella pulcherrima
  • Achatinella rosea
  • Achatinella sowerbyana
  • Achatinella swiftii
  • Achatinella valida

How do they reproduce?

Tree snails give birth to live young after they are reproductively mature. It may take up to seven years for a snail to become reproductively mature. Very few snails have such slow reproductive rates. The young baby keiki, are released from the mother shell and all. The babies are only about 4.5 mm large. An adult snail can give birth to one keiki from once four times a year.

How long do they live?

No one knows for sure exactly how long an adult tree snail lives. However, there are snails at the University of Hawaii Tree Snail Lab, that have been alive for over 10 years. Researchers predict that this is probably the maximum lifespan for wild populations.

What do they eat?

Tree snails have an unusual diet. They spend almost their entire lives on one tree (usually an ohia or kopiko tree), eating a type of fungus that grows on the leaves. Captive snails are bred in contains with native ohia leaves, and a type of cultivated fungal mat.

What efforts are going on to save the tree snails?

VIEW VIDEO ABOVE.

What are the threats?

Human impacts, rats, and the Wolf Snail (watch video)

Predation video

 

How can you help?

The best way for you to help the native snails is to tell other people about them. Refer them to this site so that they can learn more themselves. Start snail educational programs at your local school to educate the children. If you happen to be lucky enough to find a snail on a trail don't touch it. Instead, take a picture and put it on your wall for others to see. Finally, write your politicians and let them know how important you think the snails are. Its only through continued funding that UH researchers can sustain these magnificent native creatures.

Links to other Oahu Tree Snail information

 

 
The Wild Classroom Biology Concepts Biodiversity Home