Actions for Ammonite Snail

Background

The current population estimate for Ammonite Snails is around 200 individuals. Its geographic range is very restricted and precarious, and it has only been identified at six discrete sites in the Greater Hobart region. Ammonite Snails are found in forest remnants of the urban and peri-urban environment, which is suffering various impacts such as land use change and subsequent clearing and increased fire frequency.

The project delivered critical recovery actions and built upon established partnerships within local government, the Australian Museum. Guided by local experts and engagement with relevant land managers across different tenures, this project helped to improve stakeholder ability to recognise and protect key habitat.

Developing Guidelines

This project built upon and complemented the work of Dr Kevin Bonham, who has done significant work to describe the species’ habitat and range. Identification of Ammonite Snails can be difficult as they can be similar in appearance to other native snails that exist within their range. It may even be the case that the Ammonite Snail has a broader range than assumed, due to the potential for misidentification. It is important, therefore, to accurately define the species.

A molecular phylogenetic study was used to confirm species boundaries and to confirm whether current shell identification patterns are accurate. This information was used in the development of an identification guide for landholders as well as a reference library for future genetic studies.

An environmental DNA (e-DNA) marker was also developed and tested with the longer term aim of allowing researchers to take soil samples and test for the presence of Ammonite Snail DNA to quickly and easily confirm whether they are in a selected area.

Using information from on-ground surveys and historical records, species distribution modelling (SDM) was carried out using current and future climate scenarios. SDM’s are a commonly used to predict how likely it is that a species will be found in an area. These models are crucial to support conservation decision making and can even help to identify new populations of species.

Working With Private Landholders

Once the guidelines have been developed based on the findings of the genetic analysis and habitat modelling work, specific onground actions to protect Ammonite Snail habitat will go ahead. Once priority sites have been identified, NRM South will work with private landholders through a landholder support package scheme. As part of this scheme, private landholders will be provide with financial and technical support to address key threats to Ammonite Snails such as disturbance from land clearance and fire, and to identify on-ground actions that could contribute to better protection of the species and provide clear guidance on key habitat preferences.