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Chittenango ovate amber snail Listed: 7/3/1978 Status since listing: Unknown The Chittenango ovate amber snail (Novisuccinea chittenangoensis) is endemic to the wet, vegetated slopes adjacent to a 167-foot-high waterfall within Chittenango State Park in central New York. When discovered in 1905, it was considered to be "in great abundance" [1]. Sporadic attempts to determine its population size have been attempted since 1972, but have been plagued by differing methodologies, difficulty of accessing the steep, vulnerable habitat, and confusion of the species with N. ovalis, which historically occurred at the site but does so no more [1]. Estimates were typically in the range of 100 to 500 individuals [1]. Systematic surveys began in 2002, yielding the following estimates of 183 (2002), 178 (2003), 680 (2004), and 735 (2005 preliminary) [2, 3]. The population increase is believed to be real [2], but may reflect a population fluctuation rather than a long-term change. Additional survey years are needed to establish a long-term trend. Chittenango Falls has been protected from development since the establishment of Chittenango State Park in 1928 [1]. Prior to the snail placement on the endangered species list, however, habitat trampling by recreationalists was a significant issue [1]. While water quality has been raised as a potential concern, the most immediate threat is the colonization of the site and the river by Succinea sp. B. This exotic was first noticed at the falls in 1984, when its 3,000 individuals already greatly outnumbered the amber snail [1]. It is feared that it will out-compete the amber snail for resources. Efforts to reduce the population by collection have had little to no effect [2]. Attempts to establish captive populations began in 1990, but have not been successful [1]. The last remaining captive snail died in November, 2002. [1] U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2003. Chittenango ovate amber snail (Novisuccinea chittenangoensis) Recovery Plan, First Revision. Hadley, MA. |
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