Snail plan calls for preserving streams

Advertiser Staff

One of the recommendations to protect the Newcomb's snail is to preserve minimum flows in Kaua'i streams where the threatened animals live, according to a draft recovery plan released by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

A series of problems threatens the tiny freshwater snail, including predation by frogs, toads, fish and carnivorous snails. But diversion of water from streams, causing diminished flows in areas where the snail lives, could wipe out entire populations, the plan said.

Newcomb's snails are found in only 10 locations in six Kaua'i streams, and 90 percent of the total population of 6,000 to 7,000 snails is found in two of those locations. In the past they were found in Hanakoa, Hana-kapi'ai, Wainiha and Hana-pepe streams, but are now thought to have been eliminated from those areas.

The animals are a quarter of an inch long and an eighth of an inch wide, with a round black shell. They feed on algae and other material growing on submerged rocks. Eggs are attached to the rocks or vegetation.

The draft recovery plan said the snails could be removed from the threatened species list if their range is expanded to eight separate watersheds and their populations are stable or growing for at least five years. Additionally, stream flows must be protected in areas where the snails are found.

The Fish and Wildlife Service has set a 60-day comment period on the plan. Copies are available at the service office in Honolulu. Call 792-9400 for information.