Powelliphanta traversi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Powelliphanta traversi |
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| Powelliphanta traversi otakia at Te Papa | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
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Pulmonata
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| Family: |
Rhytididae
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| Genus: | |
| Species: |
P. traversi
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| Binomial name | |
| Powelliphanta traversi Powell, 1930
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Powelliphanta traversi, also known as Travers' land snail, is a very large, meat-eating land snail. It's a type of mollusc that lives on land and breathes air, belonging to the Rhytididae family. These special snails are found only in the North Island of New Zealand, living in an area between Wellington and Lake Waikaremoana.
Types of Travers' Land Snail
There are six different types, or subspecies, of Powelliphanta traversi. All of them are considered to be in danger by the New Zealand Department of Conservation. This means they need our help to survive!
- Powelliphanta traversi florida Powell, 1946 – This type is Nationally Endangered.
- Powelliphanta traversi latizona Powell, 1949 – This type is Nationally Endangered.
- Powelliphanta traversi koputaroa Powell, 1946 – This type is Nationally Endangered.
- Powelliphanta traversi otakia Powell, 1946 – This type is Nationally Critical, meaning it's in the most danger.
- Powelliphanta traversi tararuaensis Powell, 1938 – This type is Nationally Endangered.
- Powelliphanta traversi traversi Powell, 1930 – This type is Nationally Endangered.
Life Cycle
The eggs of the Travers' land snail are oval-shaped. Their size can vary a little, but they are usually around 10 millimeters long and 8 to 9 millimeters wide.
Threats to the Snail
One of the biggest dangers to these snails comes from animals that hunt them. For example, brushtail possums are known to eat Powelliphanta traversi. When a possum eats a snail, it leaves behind the empty shell. Protecting these snails from predators is very important for their survival.
