Environmental influences in captive population declines of two endangered Polynesian tree snails (Partula species).

摘要: Invertebrates contribute the majority of the planets animal biomass, but relatively little attention has been paid to the health and welfare of invertebrates of conservation importance in captivity. Partula species Polynesian tree snails are small Molluscs, belonging to the class Gastropoda, order Stylommatophora, family Partulidae. They are a unique genus endemic to the Pacific region, and more specifically to the Society Islands. There are over one hundred species of Partula snails described, with 79 species on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. 50 species are currently classified as extinct, 14 as extinct in the wild, and 15 as critically endangered. Wild populations have declined since the introduction of a predatory snail, Euglandina rosea, introduced to control the also introduced Giant African land snail (Achatina fulica) which had become an agricultural pest. The London Zoo …