Achatinella fulgens
Template:Short description Template:Speciesbox
Achatinella fulgens is a species of air-breathing land snail, a terrestrial pulmonate gastropod mollusc within the Achatinella genus of the family Achatinellidae.[1] The species is one of a collection of snail species commonly referred to as Oʻahu tree snails or pupu kuahiwi in the Hawaiian language.[1]
Description
The snail is described as having a long and glossy cone-shaped shell[2] that is ivory-colored.[3] The ivory-colored shell is also described as featuring belts of various colors, including "cloudy-gray, mahogany or ebony".[3]
Distribution and habitat
This specific species of Achatinella is endemic to the southern Koʻolau Range of Oahu.[4] However, there are only few known instances of the species, some of which exist in captivity.[3] As of 2014, the total number of captive Achatinella fulgens was 2.[5] The species is arboreal in the wild, as its natural habitat lies within Oahu's guava forests at lower elevations.[4]
In 2016, a landslide destroyed the last known habitat of this species. Only 6 snails were found and evacuated. As of 2022, the species is extinct in the wild, but there are over 50 snails in captivity[6]
Human use and cultural significance
Achatinella fulgens is used by humans mainly for scientific purposes, as specimens of the species have been collected throughout the years for study.[1] Achatinella species are of major significance within Hawaiian culture, as chronicled within Hawaiian oral tradition.[3] Historically, these land snails have been said by the Hawaiians to possess the ability to sing.[3]
References
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