Partulina redfieldi

Partulina redfieldi is a species of tropical air-breathing land snail, a terrestrial pulmonate gastropod mollusk in the family Achatinellidae.

Description and biology

Partulina redfieldi appears in various colors, and the shells are found to be polymorphic, exhibiting a wide range of white to brown shades with varying numbers of white or brown bands. Partulina redfieldi must reach 3 to 5 years of age before it can reproduce and are only capable of producing up to 5 babies every year. The snail has a juvenile mortality rate of 42%.

Distribution and habitat

Partulina redfieldi are endemic to the island of Molokai, Hawaii. This species is commonly found on the smooth leaves of the 'ohi'a lehua tree or metrosideros polymorpha, also endemic to the Hawaiian Islands.

Population decline

From 1983 to 1995, the general population of Partulina redfieldi grew significantly from 100% to 900%. Since 1995, the population has decreased by 85%, due to rat predation, which has shown itself to be a growing threat to tree snail species endemic to Hawaii. Partulina redfieldi population initially decreased by 85% within just 2 years of being discovered by rats.