Powelliphanta Sp.Kirwans
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 A Powelliphanta of unknown species.
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| Powelliphanta Sp.Kirwans not yet described |
Powelliphanta Sp.Kirwans is a very rare undescribed large terrestrial mollusc in the family Rhytididae, endemic to the South Island of New Zealand. It is found only in an area of less than 10 ha on the top of Kirwans Hill, about 12 km northeast of Reefton in Westland.
Its habitat is under the skirts of tussock and mountain flax, on greywacke base material, around the treeline at altitudes of between 1,250 and 1,280 m above sea level.
The shell has a low, flattened apex and less rounded appearance than the nearby Powelliphanta Sp.Matakitaki. Coloration is a plain warm tan-brown, with a faint reddish tinge on the dorsal surface and one of two narrow black axial bands on the ventral surface. The shell is mostly glossy, but has a soft matt appearance on the dorsal surface of the inner whorls, caused by very fine sculpturing.
Powelliphanta Sp.Kirwans is under threat by Weka, Hares, Deer and Pigs.
Major diameter is up to 40 mm.
Powelliphanta Sp.Kirwans is classified by the New Zealand Department of Conservation as Range Restricted.
[edit] References
- Powell A W B, New Zealand Mollusca, William Collins Publishers Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand 1979 ISBN 0-00-216906-1
- Department of Conservation Recovery Plans
- New Zealand Department of Conservation Threatened Species Classification
