Napaeus isletae facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Napaeus isletae |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| (unranked): |
clade Heterobranchia clade Euthyneura
clade Panpulmonata clade Eupulmonata clade Stylommatophora informal group Orthurethra |
| Superfamily: |
Enoidea
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| Family: |
Enidae
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| Subfamily: |
Eninae
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| Tribe: |
Enini
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| Genus: |
Napaeus
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| Species: |
N. isletae
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| Binomial name | |
| Napaeus isletae Groh & Ibanez, 1992
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Napaeus isletae is a very special type of tiny land snail. It's a small creature that breathes air, just like us! This snail is a mollusk, which is a group of animals that includes snails, slugs, and clams. Napaeus isletae is unique because it lives only in one place: Spain. This makes it an "endemic" species, meaning it's found nowhere else in the world. Sadly, it's also a critically endangered species, which means it's very close to disappearing forever.
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About the Napaeus Isletae Snail
Napaeus isletae is a fascinating example of a land snail. These snails are part of a larger group called gastropods. Gastropods are known for having a single shell, if they have one at all. They move around on a muscular "foot."
What is a Land Snail?
Land snails are terrestrial creatures, meaning they live on land, not in water. They are different from sea snails or freshwater snails. Most land snails, like Napaeus isletae, are pulmonates. This means they have a special lung-like organ that helps them breathe air.
Land snails are important parts of their ecosystems. They help break down dead plant material. They also serve as food for other animals, like birds and small mammals.
Where Does It Live?
Napaeus isletae is found only in Spain. Specifically, it lives in the Canary Islands, which are a group of islands off the coast of Africa. These islands are part of Spain. The unique climate and environment of the Canary Islands allow special species like this snail to thrive.
The snail prefers specific habitats within these islands. It usually lives in damp, rocky areas. These places provide the moisture and shelter it needs to survive.
Why is it Special?
This snail is considered "endemic" to the Canary Islands. This means it naturally lives only there and nowhere else on Earth. Endemic species are very important because they add to the unique biodiversity of a region. If they disappear from their home, they are gone forever.
Napaeus isletae was first described by scientists Groh and Ibanez in 1992. This means they were the first to officially identify and name this species.
Protecting This Snail
Sadly, Napaeus isletae is listed as a critically endangered species. This is the highest risk category for wild animals. It means the snail faces an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
Many things can threaten a species like this snail. These threats often include habitat loss, which happens when their natural homes are destroyed. Climate change and pollution can also harm them.
Conservation efforts are very important to protect Napaeus isletae. These efforts might include protecting its habitat. They can also involve studying the snail to learn more about its needs. By working together, we can help ensure this unique snail survives for future generations.
