IUCN Species of the Day: Tulotoma Snail

 

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(tm)
Tutotoma Magnifica

Photo credit: T.A. Conrad

 

The Tulotoma Snail, Tulotoma magnifica, is listed as ‘Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™. This rare freshwater snail is endemic to the Coosa and Alabama River systems in Alabama, USA.

The Tulotoma Snail has suffered major declines due to a variety of human influences, including dredging, dam construction, siltation, hydropower discharge, and pollution. As a result, this species was listed on the US Endangered Species List in 1991. Fortunately, later surveys revealed that its distribution is much greater than once thought, and all the known populations are either stable or increasing.

Researchers are continuing to survey additional sites within the historical range of the Tulotoma Snail, but current data indicates that this species no longer warrants classification as an Endangered species. However, given that the surviving populations are still isolated and vulnerable to pollution, as well as to floods and droughts, the classification of the Tulotoma Snail as ‘Endangered’ is still deemed to be appropriate.

World Water Week 2011 is this week, 21-27 August!

 

Geographic Range of the Tulotoma Snail

Credit: IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

 

To learn more about the Tulotoma Snail, click here. Or visit the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ by clicking their logo below.

To learn more about the Bush Warriors “Species of the Day” feature, please click here and read up on our initiative to raise awareness about the loss of earth’s biodiversity.

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