Conservation Status
The IUCN Red List states for Powelliphanta marchantii a lower risk, near threatened. But most of these snails are under serious threat or even in danger of extinction. They have no defence against introduced predators, such as common brushtail possums, (Trichosurus vulpecula), and rats. Possums have been shown to eat up to 60 snails in one night. Controlling predatory mammals is now critical to the survival of Powelliphanta, and many recovery plans are being undertaken by the Department of Conservation. After aerial application of 1080 poison, Powelliphanta "Anatoki Range" numbers increased threefold at sites in Kahurangi National Park, with large numbers of juveniles present. Prior to the 1080, there were 54 snails found on 500sq grid. One year after the 1080 drop, 147 snails were found on the same plot. Between 1994 and 2010, a series of three aerial 1080 operations over 3430ha of the Ruahine Forest Park has resulted in significant increases in Powelliphanta marchanti. The introduced hedgehog are also a threat to Powelliphanta species.
The subspecies Powelliphanta gilliesi brunnea and Powelliphanta traversi otakia are the most threatened.
Read more about this topic: Powelliphanta
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