Potamopyrgus doci is a critically endangered species of fresh water snail native to New Zealand.

Potamopyrgus doci
Type specimen in the collections of Te Papa

Nationally Critical (NZ TCS)[1]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Gastropoda
Subclass: Caenogastropoda
Order: Littorinimorpha
Family: Tateidae
Genus: Potamopyrgus
Species:
P. doci
Binomial name
Potamopyrgus doci
Synonyms
  • Hydrobiidae sp. 4 (M.174064)

Habitat

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This snail has been found in only one location in a spring at the exit of Ruakuri Cave, in the Waitomo Caves, north west of Te Kūiti.[2] This habitat is only a few square metres in size but is within a protected area. However, there is recreational rafting in the cave and agriculture upstream may result in a decline in water quality. Despite this the population trend is regarded as being stable.[3]

Conservation status

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In 2013 the Department of Conservation classified Potamopyrgus doci as Nationally Critical under the New Zealand Threat Classification System.[1] The species was judged as meeting the criteria for Nationally Critical threat status as a result of it occupying a total area of less than 1 hectare. It is found only in one location.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Grainger, N.; Harding, J.; Drinan, T.; Collier, K.; Smith, B.; Death, R.; Makan, T.; Rolfe, J. (November 2018). "Conservation status of New Zealand freshwater invertebrates, 2018" (PDF). New Zealand Threat Classification Series. 28: 1–29 – via Department of Conservation.
  2. ^ a b Haase, Martin (February 2008). "The radiation of hydrobiid gastropods in New Zealand: A revision including the description of new species based on morphology and mtDNA sequence information". Systematics and Biodiversity. 6 (1): 99–159. doi:10.1017/S1477200007002630. S2CID 83722003.
  3. ^ Collier, K. (2013). "Potamopyrgus doci". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2013: e.T198891A2544395. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-2.RLTS.T198891A2544395.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
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