The shell of the Mitchell’s rainforest snail is large to very large (diameter up to 45 mm), yellowish with broad, brown and dark brown spiral bands. The spire is strongly raised, giving it a triangular profile. The apex of the shell bears vague radial ridges and the shell is smoother lower down. The shell bears microsculpture of fine radial wrinkles and ridgelets that become obsolete on the last (largest) whorl. The animal is slate grey with a yellow dorsal stripe. Eggs are round and white.
Mitchell's Rainforest Snail |
Thersites mitchellae
Status: Critically Endangered on the EPBC Act list
Government evidence of impact of climate change:
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Australian Government, Conservation Advice, Thersites mitchellae
These small remnant areas; with a high perimeter to area ratio; are at risk from changes to hydrology; and edge effects including desiccation; habitat disturbance; frequent fire and invasion by exotic weeds and feral animals (NSW OEH 2014).
Consider monitoring the impact of feral predator control after any large fire or large rain event. o Control rats in urban areas that adjoin areas of known or potential habitat. o Control or remove exotic weeds that alter the vegetation structure of the lower shrub and ground layer in Mitchell s rainforest snail habitat. -
Australian Government, Listing Advice, Thersites mitchellae
Fire will also impact adversely on the key habitat requirements for the Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail; which are a well developed leaf litter layer and an intact forest canopy.
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