Indicative distribution
The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas.
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click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Thersites mitchellae
Gazetted date:
14 Mar 1997
Profile last updated:
07 Jun 2021
Description
Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail is a large native land snail with a shell up to 55 mm wide and 50 mm high, triangular in profile, and with a thickened lip. The shell is deep reddish chestnut to black in colour with two prominent yellow bands. The body colour is black with a thin lighter line along the back.
Distribution
Found in remnant vegetation on the coastal plain between the Richmond River and Tweed River on the NSW north coast. It has also been recorded from some adjacent mid-elevation areas including Wilsons River and Mount Jerusalem.
Habitat and ecology
- Remnant areas of lowland subtropical rainforest and swamp forest on alluvial soils. Slightly higher ground around the edges of wetlands with palms and fig trees are particularly favoured habitat.
- Typically found amongst leaf litter on the forest floor, and occasionally under bark in trees.
- Active at night and feeds on leaf litter, fungi and lichen.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Clearing of lowland rainforest, swamp forest and wetland margins for agriculture.
- Clearing of lowland rainforest, swamp forest and wetland margins for urban development.
- Damage to remnant areas of habitat from grazing by domestic stock.
- Damage to remnant areas of habitat by fire.
- Damage to remnant areas of habitat by weed invasion.
- Predation of snails by introduced rats.
- Habitat fragmentation increasing edge effects including increasing the severity of disturbance from fire, weeds and predation by introduced rats .
- Use of herbicides and pesticides in and near areas of habitat.
- Impacts on habitat as a result of dieback caused by root rot fungus (Phytophthora cinnamomi).
- Loss of coastal populations from sea level rise and climate change
- Damage to habitat from changes in hydrology
- Poor knowledge of species distribution
- Lack of awareness of the species within the community
Recovery strategies
A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.
Activities to assist this species
- Support a local Landcare groups or bush regeneration teams to rehabilitate habitat.
- Control introduced rats in urban areas adjoining areas of potential habitat.
- Protect rainforest and wetland margins from fire.
- Retain and protect areas of rainforest, swamp forest and forest on wetland margins. Even small areas of habitat can be valuable.
- Avoid the use of snail baits, pesticides and herbicides in or near known and potential habitat.
- Fence rainforest remnants and wetland margins to exclude grazing by stock.
- Undertake weed control in known and potential habitat ensuring minimal disturbance of leaf litter and fallen logs.
- Monitor status of known populations.
- Prevent ornamental plants and weeds from escaping into native forest and wetland areas.
- Report any sightings of Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail to the OEH. Empty shells or photographs of live snails can be sent to confirm identification, but leave live snails.
- Research into ecology and genetics of species to provide information to assist in its conservation.
- Model and map the predicted habitat for Mitchell's Rainforest Snail.
- Survey of areas of potential habitat to identify any additional populations.
Information sources
- Murphy, M.J. (2002) Mollusc conservation and the New South Wales Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995: the recovery program for Mitchell's Rainforest Snail Thersites mitchellae. Australian Zoologist 32(1): 1-11.
- Murphy, M.J. and Nally, S. (2004) Case studies in implementing the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 for invertebrate conservation. Australian Zoologist.
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2001) Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail Thersites mitchellae (Cox, 1864) Recovery Plan. NPWS, Sydney.
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Threatened Species of the Upper North Coast of NSW: Fauna. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)
- NSW Scientific Committee (1997) Mitchell's rainforest snail - Endangered species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.