The extinction of Partula on Moorea.

Abstract

Land snails of the genus Partula from the island of Moorea in
\nFrench Polynesia have for more than a century pro vided a natural laboratory
\nfor the study of variation, genetic polymorphism, and speciation. As a result of
\nthe intentional introduction of the predatory snail Euglandina rosea, all the
\nspecies of Partula from Moorea are now extinct in the wild. Since Euglandina
\nis spreading rapidly on Tahiti, the demise of Partula on. that island also is
\nimminent. Attempts are being made through the International Union for the
\nConservation of Nature for the captive breeding of those stocks that remain in
\nthe laboratory.