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Amphidromus inversus (Müller, 1774)
| Family Name: | Amphidromidae |
| Synonyms: | Helix inversa (Müller, 1774) |
| Taxonomic Group: | Invertebrates (Mollusc) |
| Common Name: | Brown Tree Snail |
Name
Description
| Size | 35 mm to 50 mm |
|---|---|
| Description | Robust snail with a mottled shell (patterns can be used to distinguish individuals for study). Can be mistaken for the African Giant Snail (a pest) but the shell is smaller, thicker, and usually paler |
Ecology, Habitat & Location
| Ecological Notes | Largely arboreal, feeding on algae and other material on the surface of the leaves that form its substrate. It also occurs on hard structures such as walls. Individuals can seemingly follow each other's trails to seek mates. |
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| Habitats | Forest, Terrestrial |
| Distribution | Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore. Where in Singapore, it only survives in the Singapore Botanic Gardens rain forest. |
| Nature Reserves | Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Central Catchment Nature Reserve, Labrador Nature Reserve, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve |
Conservation
| Trends & Threats | As it is known from only a single population in Singapore, it is vulnerable to disturbance, collection, and periods of severe drought or other chance events. |
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| Scientific Interest & Potential Value | This species is a potential indicator of forest health, and of scientific interest as a representative of a once larger terrestrial molluscan fauna. |
| Conservation Notes | Continued conservation of the extant forest. A study of population size is required, and establishment of a second population in Bukit Timah or Central Catchment Nature Reserve would improve its conservation status. |
Status
| Species Status | Native |
|---|---|
| Singapore Red Data Book Status | Critically Endangered (CR) [2008] |
Photos
References
| References | Davison, G.W.H., Ng, P.K.L. & Ho, H.C (Eds.). 2008. The Singapore Red Data Book (2nd Edition). Singapore: Nature Society (Singapore). 285pp |
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