Cyathopoma  (Cyathopoma picardense)

Cyathopoma picardense is classified as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List (1).

Cyathopoma picardense is a tiny, Endangered snail found only on Aldabra Atoll, in the Seychelles (1). It is one of only two Cyathopoma species in the Seychelles islands (2).

The shell of Cyathopoma picardense is small and globular, with a pointed tip and just over three whorls. The opening of the shell is round, and the shell and operculum are both grey. The body of this species has not yet been described (2).

Compared to the other Seychelles species, Cyathopoma blanfordi, the shell of Cyathopoma picardense is usually less broad (2).

This small snail is endemic to the Seychelles islands, in the Indian Ocean. Cyathopoma picardense is found only on Aldabra Atoll (1) (2), where it occupies an estimated area of just 150 square kilometres (1).

Cyathopoma picardense inhabits coastal scrub and woodland, from sea level to six metres above sea level (1).

There is currently no information available on the biology and life history of Cyathopoma picardense.

In addition to being very limited in extent, the entire range of Cyathopoma picardense lies only a few metres above sea level. With approximately 95 percent of its population occurring at less than two metres above the sea, Cyathopoma picardense is at significant risk from sea level rise due to climate change (1).

The population size of Cyathopoma picardense is currently unknown, but it is believed to be declining (1).

Cyathopoma picardense occurs in the Aldabra Special Reserve (1), and the whole of the Aldabra Atoll is designated as a World Heritage Site (3). Due to its isolation and difficult access, Aldabra is still relatively undisturbed by humans (3).

In general, invertebrates such as snails are under-represented in conservation efforts, and more research, population monitoring and habitat monitoring are needed for invertebrates in the Seychelles, together with research into the effects of introduced species and climate change (4). Particular conservation recommendations for Cyathopoma picardense include research into its biology and populations, monitoring of its habitat, and artificial propagation techniques (1).

Find out more about conservation in the Seychelles:

• Nature Seychelles:
  http://www.natureseychelles.org/
• Seychelles Islands Foundation:
  http://www.seychellesislandsfoundation.org/
• Island Conservation Society:
  http://www.islandconservationsociety.com/
• Nature Protection Trust of Seychelles:
  http://islandbiodiversity.com/nptsindex.htm#NPTS