Dlinza pinwheel  (Trachycystis clifdeni)

The Dlinza Forest is officially protected and is under the control of Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife (1) (3). However, the forest's location within an urban environment does give some cause for concern. Furthermore, its very limited distribution means that it is highly vulnerable to the damaging effects of extreme stochastic weather conditions and climate change (1).

The fact that Dlinza Forest is an officially protected area, supported by an enthusiastic local community, does confer a degree of protection to this Critically Endangered species. Nevertheless, the small and exposed nature of its home means that this rare and fascinating snail remains somewhat helpless to the changing world around it (1). More research into the ecology and behaviour of this small but captivating species may help unearth valuable information to help guide appropriate conservation action and bring the diminutive ‘pinwheel' back from the brink of extinction.