The O‘ahu tree snail refers to any of the species within the genus Achatinella, which is native to the island of O‘ahu in Hawai‘i. These snails are small, air-breathing land snails known for their colorful, spiraled shells and unique ecological role in Hawaii’s native forests.
🐌 Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Achatinella spp. |
| Family | Achatinellidae |
| Habitat | Native wet and mesic forests on O‘ahu |
| Diet | Microflora (e.g., fungi and algae) scraped from leaves |
| Lifespan | Up to 10 years or more |
| Reproduction | Slow – they give birth to live young (viviparous) |
| Conservation Status | Critically Endangered (many species extinct) |
🌿 Ecological Role
- Tree snails help maintain ecosystem health by cleaning leaves and controlling microbial growth.
- They are considered indicator species — their decline reflects broader ecosystem stress.
⚠️ Threats
The O‘ahu tree snail population has dramatically declined due to:
- Habitat loss (development, agriculture, and invasive plants)
- Predation by introduced species:
- Rosy wolf snail (Euglandina rosea)
- Rats
- Jackson’s chameleons
- Climate change, which affects their moist forest habitat
🛡️ Conservation Efforts
- Captive breeding programs (e.g., at the Honolulu Zoo and by DLNR)
- Protected enclosures in native forests to keep out predators
- Monitoring and research to inform conservation strategies
- Community education to raise awareness
🐚 Did You Know?
- Hawaiians historically viewed tree snails as symbols of peace.
- The shells of some species are highly prized for their beautiful coloration and were used in traditional lei.
Would you like information on a specific species, like Achatinella mustelina or Achatinella apexfulva (a famously extinct species)?