Lecture on Extinction of Hawaiian Tree Snails

Introduction

• George the Snail
  • Last known Acatonella apexifola, a species of tree snail from O'ahu.
  • Died on January 1st, 2019.
  • George was an "endling" - last individual of a species.

Examples of Endlings

• Historical endlings include:
  • George, the famous Pinta Island tortoise.
  • Martha, the last passenger pigeon.
  • Benjamin, the last Tasmanian tiger.
  • Booming Ben, the last heathen.
  • Tuffy, the last Rab's fringe-limbed tree frog.

Decline of Snails in Hawaii

• Snails in Hawaii are disappearing rapidly.
• Ethical responsibility to preserve these species since human activities contribute to their decline.
• Current efforts:
  • Approximately 3,000 snails in preservation chambers.
  • 38 species from 5 islands are either extinct in the wild or nearing extinction.
  • Some species have their entire population in these chambers.

Specific Species and Conservation Efforts

• Acatinella fuscobasis:
  • Presumed extinct in the wild but maintained in conservation chambers.
• Akatonella lila:
  • From northern Ko'olau Mountains, also in captivity.
• Conservation issues involve preventing further "George" cases (i.e., total extinction of species).

Causes of Extinction

• Rosy Wolf Snail
  • Introduced in the 1950s from Florida.
  • Carnivorous, preys on other snails.
  • Main driver of snail extinction in Hawaii.

Conservation Practices

• Snail Conservation Site
  • Last known population of acatonellifolgans monitored closely.
  • Snail population collapse, possibly due to rosy wolf snails.
• Preservation Methods
  • Individual snails are preserved in ethanol for research.
  • Predator-proof fence sites are being built.
• Challenges
  • High stress in maintaining these species.
  • Equipment failure or disease could lead to a complete loss.

Impact on Hawaii

• Hawaii known as extinction capital of the U.S.
• Loss of native species impacts the unique character of the islands.
• Efforts to manage and save species hold cultural and ecological significance.

Current Status and Actions

• Active conservation in Ko'olau mountains.
• Predator-proof fences protect endangered species like Acatinella lila and Acatinella sauerbiana.
• Ongoing struggle to keep predator snails out.

Conclusion

• Extinction is part of natural history, but current rates are alarmingly fast.
• Preserving these snails is crucial to maintaining Hawaii's ecological and cultural heritage.