Research underway to learn more about endangered snail

A Southern Cross University researcher has been awarded a grant by Tweed Shire Council to research a critically endangered snail in the region. The $5000 grant will help fund research to determine small-scale movement of the endangered snail 'Thersites mitchellae', known commonly as the Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail.

The Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail, which is listed as critically endangered nationally, is the subject of a broader research project by Southern Cross University PhD candidate Jonathan Parkyn into the population status and habitat preferences of the snail.

Endemic to north-eastern New South Wales, the snail is known to have a restricted distribution in a small number of forest remnants on the coastal plains.

Jonathan, who has already carried out intensive studies on the Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail in Byron Shire, said despite its conservation status very little is known about its ecology, distribution, and habitat use.

“In order to conserve threatened species, it’s important to determine the population size but finding Mitchell’s Rainforest Snails can be challenging because individuals are difficult to detect in their natural habitat,” said Jonathan.

“Historical records suggest that the snail used to be common in rainforest in this region which was previously extensive on the north coast, but we are only just beginning to discover isolated populations in small remnants.

“We will be undertaking searches for these snails at night when they are more active, with the aim of determining population numbers, as well as taking a range of measures of the habitat they are found in.

“At the moment very little is known about its shelter or feeding preferences, but by recording factors like the type of soil, level of moisture and leaf litter depth they are found in, we’ll also build a picture of the requirements of Mitchell’s rainforest snail and which habitats need to be safeguarded for the future of the species.”

The Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail is a large land snail with a shell up to 5.5cm wide and 5cm high. The shell, which is reddish chestnut or black in colour with two prominent yellow bands, is strongly elevated, giving it a triangular profile.

The funding will be used to purchase radio-tracking equipment to monitor the snails, including tiny transmitters weighing less that 500mg that will be glued onto the shells.
Jonathan said the snail played an important role in the ecosystem of the region.

“Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail spreads fungal spores throughout the rainforest, and therefore plays an important role in nutrient cycling, helping to keep our rainforests healthy,” said Jonathan.

“Snails are also an integral part of the forest food web, so protecting the snail is important to safeguard the biodiversity of the local area.”

If you think you have seen a Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail please call 0404 798734 or e-mail jonathan.parkyn@scu.edu.au

Photo: The Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail (high resolution image available on request)