A student of The University of the South Pacific (USP) created history by finding the first living tree snail on the island of Rotuma in Fiji.
Froseann Stevens, a USP biology student who found this endemic species, is working on her project in collaboration with LäjeRotuma Initiative (LRI), a community-based environmental education and awareness development programme.
USP’s Associate Professor Gilianne Brodie, who is also the project leader, said this is a finding of great scientific interest at the international-level because of the tragic extinction history of related tree snail species in other Pacific Island countries, primarily as a result of invasive species.
Professor Brodie led an earlier survey in May 2012, which did not find living tree snails but identified the species as potentially present in a particular area via empty shells.
She mentioned that knowledge of the Fiji species is also vital to understanding the wider biogeography which includes some species being intentionally transported between islands by indigenous peoples.
Professor Brodie highlighted that findings such as this provide the scientific basis for informed decision-making, and help to guide conservation policy.
According to Professor Brodie, Rotuman fauna is specifically mentioned in the Fiji government’s National Biodiversity Strategy Action plan, as in need of special attention because of the island’s isolated geographical location and different species assemblages compared to other parts of Fiji.
“In French Polynesia critically endangered partula tree snails in similar dire need of conservation action are currently housed in specialised protected enclosures and/or captive breeding facilities to try and halt their extinction,” she further explained.
The targeted species-specific survey and the wider USP project it was part of, was funded by USP’s Faculty of Science Technology and Environment, and conducted in partnership with LäjeRotuma Initiative (LRI), Landcare Research New Zealand and the University of Michigan.
LRI leader Monifa Fiu said “to revive a culture of biodiversity amidst increasing development needs, we need to know what living treasures we have. Conserving our endemic species is one key aspect and shared responsibility in protecting our heritage.”
Läje Rotuma Initiative’s field leader on the island, Rupeti Vafa’ou and local guides, Lily Nakaora, Tausia Fabiano and Adi Nani Vafa’ou trekked across high treacherous slopes in heavy rain, on a slippery trail to help Stevens locate these elusive tree snails.