Tag Archives: Austral Islands

Hydrophilidae gen. & sp. ‘Tubuai’

Tubuaian Chasmogenus-like Beetle (Hydrophiidae gen. & sp.)

This species, apparently not yet closer inspected, is known from subfossil remains recovered from deposits on the island of Tubuai, Austral Islands.

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edited: 31.10.2020

Bitoma sp. ‘Raivavae’

Raivavae Bark Beetle (Bitoma sp.)

This form has not yet been named, it is known only from subfossil remains, including at least one pronotum and one elytron.

The species had a yellowish-ochre ground color with the elytra bearing several dark brown, rather square-shaped spots.

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edited: 02.11.2020

Bitoma sp. ‘Rimatara’

Rimataran Bark Beetle (Bitoma sp.)

This up to now undescribed form is known only from subfossil remains, including at least one pronotum and one elytron, that were found on the island of Rimatara in the Austral Islands.

The species had a dark ochre ground color, the elytra were decorated with a pattern of very dark brown square-shaped spots that melted into a complete brown-colored outer margin.

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edited: 02.11.2020

Australdonta tubuaiana Solem

Tubuai Australdonta Snail (Australdonta tubuaiana)

The Tubuai Australdonta Snail was described in 1976; it is known only from subfossil specimens that were found in the western parts of Tubuai, Austral Islands.

The shells reach sizes of 0.42 to 0.5 cm; they are light yellowish white with broad reddish flammulations that fade out on the shell’s base.

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References:

[1] Alan Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part I, Family Endodontidae. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1976
[2] Olivier Gargominy; Benoît Fontaine: A Global Overview of the Terrestrial and Freshwater Molluscs. In: Jean-Yves Meyer; Elin. M. Claridge: Biodiversity of the Austral Islands, French Polynesia. Muséum national d´Histoire naturelle, Paris. 55-91. 2014

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edited: 18.02.2024

Tenebroides rimatara Kolibáč & Porch

Rimatara Bark-gnawing Beetle (Tenebroides rimatara)

This species was described in 2020 on the basis of subfossil remains, ncluding an articulated head and prothorax as well as at least three elytra, that were recovered from sediment cores that had been obtained on the island of Rimatara in the Austral Islands.

The remains can be dates to an age of about 4500 to 3500 BP..

the Rimatara Bark-gnawing Beetle reached a size of about 0,48 cm in length, it appears to have been dark brown in color. [1]

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References:

[1] Jiří Kolibáč; Milada Bocakova; James K. Liebherr; Thibould Ramage; Nick Porch: Extinct and extant Pacific Trogossitidae and the evolution of Cleroidea (Coleoptera) after the Late Triassic biotic crisis. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 20: 1-37. 2020

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edited: 02.11.2020

Pritchardia sp. ‘Tubuai’

Tubuai Fan Palm (Pritchardia sp.)

This unnamed species was identified from subfossil fruits excavated in the Mihiura Swamp on the island of Tubuai, Austral Islands, at a depth of just over 3 m.

These fruits predate the settlement of the island and can be dated back to around 1100 CE. date. [1]

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References:

[1] M. Prebble; J. L. Dowe: The late Quaternary decline and extinction of palms on oceanic Pacific islands. Science Reviews 27: 2546-2567. 2008

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edited: 18.07.2012

Bitoma sp. ‘Tubuai’

Tubuaian Bark Beetle (Bitoma sp.)

This form has up to now not been described, it is known only from subfossil remains, including at least one pronotum and one elytron.

The pronotum was dark reddish brown colored while the elytra had a very light, almost whitish ground color and were decorated with about seven, square-shaped, dark brown spots that formed a bark-like pattern.

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edited: 02.11.2020

Staphylinidae gen. & sp. ‘Austral Islands’

Austral islands Rove Beetle(s) (Staphylinidae gen. & sp.)

The rove beetles (Staphylinidae) contain about 63000 species, making it one of the largest families in the animal kingdom, several new species are being described every year.

So, it is no wonder that this family also contains countless extinct forms – at least 18 are known from subfossil remains found on the Austral Islands so far.

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edited: 31.10.2020

Ceodes rapaensis (J. Florence) E. F. S. Rossetto & Caraballo

Rapa Pisonia (Ceodes rapaensis)

This species was described in 2004; it was endemic to the island of Rapa in the Austral archipelago and is known from material that was apparently collected in 1921.

The species is now considered extinct, the reasons for its extinction are found in the ongoing habitat destruction by deforestation as well as in the introduced ungulates like cattle and goats who eat away any remaining native vegetation.

***

syn. Pisonia rapaensis J.Florence

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edited: 26.02.2024

Cyanoramphus sp. ‚Rapa‘

Rapa Parakeet (Cyanoramphus sp.)

This species is known from subfossil remains that were found during excavations on the island of Rapa, Austral Islands.

These remains somewhat fill the giant gap in the distribution area of the genus, which is found on the one hand with many species in the western Pacific region (New Caledonia and New Zealand faunal regions) and on the other hand with two species on the Society Islands in central Polynesia.

There are hundreds of suitable island groups and islands between these two areas where not a single member of the genus was ever found. [1]

***

The Rapa Parakeet very likely was a ground-dwelling species, like most members of its genus, and was also very likely very tame and thus was probably among the first birds to be eradicated by the first human occupants of the island. [1]

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References:

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edited: 08.02.2020

Acrocephalus sp. ‘Raivavae’

Raivavae Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus sp.)

No Reed Warbler species are known to inhabit the Austral Islands today, yet their former existence in that archipelago is more than likely, given the fact that such species are found on the Cook Islands to the north and on the Tuamotu archipelago to the east.

And, there is indeed at least one record of a reed warbler that was heard singing on one of the Austral Islands – Raivavae.:

“A. v. sous-espèce ?

Raevavae: des fauvettes furent entendues par Lacan (J.-L. Mougin, comm. pers.) en mai 1968.” [1]

translation:

“A. v. subspecies?

Raevavae: warblers were heard by Lacan (J.-L. Mougin, pers. Comm.) in May 1968.“

and:

“Une espèce non identifiée d’Acrocephalus a été notée à Raivavae en 1968 mais n’a pas été retrouvé en 1990 (Seitre et Seitre 1991) et pouvait donc être un oiseau erratique.” [1]

translation:

“An unidentified species of Acrocephalus was recorded at Raivavae in 1968 but was not found in 1990 (Seitre and Seitre 1991) and could therefore be an erratic bird.“

This one, brief record may in fact refer to a last remaining tiny population of an endemic reed warbler population that went extinct so after.

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References:

[1] D. T. Holyoack; J.-C. Thibault: Contribution à l’étude des oiseaux de Polynésie orientale. Mémoire du MNHN, Série A Zoologie 27: 121-122. 1984

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edited: 03.01.2024

Tenebroides tubuai Kolibáč & Porch

Tubuai Bark-gnawing Beetle (Tenebroides tubuai)

The Tubuai Bark-gnawing Beetle was described in 2020, it is known from subfossil remains, including a head, parts of another head, a left mandible, at least one complete elytron as well as additional elytral fragments, and a incomplete prothorax, all recovered from sediment core samples taken at the Mihiru Swamp on the island of Tubuai in the Austral Islands.

These remains can be dated to an age of about 2500 to 2000 BP..

The Tubuai Bark-gnawing Beetle might have been the largest member of its genus, its size has been reconstructed to have been about 1,57 cm in length, which clearly sets it apart from the congeneric and sympatric Mihiura Bark-gnawing Beetle (Tenebroides mihiura Kolibáč & Porch). [1]

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References:

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edited: 02.11.2020

Curculionidae gen. & sp. ‘Rimatara’

Rimataran Cossonine Weevil(s) (Curculionidae gen. & sp.)

The weevils (Curculionidae) are in fact the most species-rich family of the whole animal kingdom, the family is divided into several subfamilies of which the Cossininae is one.

***

The subfossil record of the island of Rimatara, Austral Islands has produced the remains of at least 18 (!) genera/species of cossinine weevils, this shows how species-rich the island faunas once, before the arrival of humans, were … and, how much has already been lost.

The remains are currently under review by Nick Porch, an Australian entomologist specialized in subfossil insect remains.

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edited: 31.10.2020

Tenebroides raivavae Kolibáč & Porch

Raivavae Bark-gnawing Beetle (Tenebroides raivavae)

This species was described in 2020, it is so far only known from the holotype material, a subfossil incomplete prosternum, that was obtained from a core sample taken from the Rairua Swamp on the island of Raivavae in the Austral Islands.

The size of this species is estimated to have been about 1,39 cm in length; it appears to have been black in color. [1]

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References:

Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 20: 1-37. 2020

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edited: 02.11.2020

Todiramphus sp. ‚Rapa‘

Rapa Kingfisher (Todiramphus sp.)

The Rapa Kingfisher is yet a hypothetical species that I like to erect based on an account from the 1920s. [1]

This account speaks about the color symbolism of Rapan feather cloaks and says that royal cloaks incorporated dark blue feathers from a bird named “kotokoto”, which was supposed to have been a kingfisher, apparently most likely the Tuamotu Kingfisher (Todiramphus gertrudae Murphy) [but named Halcyon gambieri in the paper [1]].

I personally think that this is rather unlikely, if the feathers came from any kind of imported kingfisher species, as the paper [1] suggests, then probably not from birds from Mangareva (which were already almost extinct at that time) but even more unlikely from birds from the Niau atoll, which is located far, far away from the island of Rapa. They may, however, have come from the far more closely situated Cook Islands, which harbors more than one endemic kingfisher forms. But there may very well once have been an endemic kingfisher species on the island of Rapa as well, because why not?!

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References:

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edited: 08.02.2020

Tenebroides mihiura Kolibáč & Porch

Mihiura Bark-gnawing Beetle (Tenebroides mihiura)

This species was described in 2020, it is known only from the type material, a subfossil prothorax, that was collected from a sediment core sample that had been taken from the Mihiura Swamp on the island of Tubuai in the Austral Islands.

The species reached a size of about 0,6 cm in length; it might have been black in color. [1]

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References:

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edited: 02.11.2020

Hydrophilidae gen. & sp. ‘Rimatara’

Rimataran Chasmogenus-like Beetle (Hydrophiidae gen. & sp.)

This species, apparently not yet closer inspected, is known from subfossil remains recovered from deposits on the island of Rimatara, Austral Islands.

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edited: 31.10.2020

Mumfordia sp. ‘Tubuai’

Tubuaian Fungus Beetle (Mumfordia sp.)

This species is known from subfossil remains recovered from deposits on the island of Tubuai, Austral Islands.

***

As far as I know, the genus today contains only three species, The Mountain Fungus Beetle (Mumfordia monticola Zimmerman) from Tahiti, Society Islands, and the Spined Fungus Beetle (Mumfordia spinata Van Dyke) as well as the Tubercled Fungus Beetle (Mumfordia tuberculata Van Dyke) from the Marquesas.

It is obviously quite clear that the genus once contained many more species.

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edited: 31.10.2020

Australdonta oheatora Sartori, Gargominy & Fontaine

Oheatora Australdonta Snail (Australdonta oheatora)

The Oheatora Australdonta Snail was described in 2013; it is known from about 35 specimens that were recovered from the island of Rurutu, Austral Islands.

The shells are small, thin, relatively high, subdepressed, opaque to pellucid, white to light fawn-colored and show no traces of markings. [1]

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Photo: André F. Sartori
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

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References:

[1] André F. Sartori; Olivier Gargominy; Benoît Fontaine: Anthropogenic extinction of Pacific and snails: A case study of Rurutu, French Polynesia, with description of eight new species of endodontids (Pulmonata). Zootaxa 3640(3): 343-372. 2013

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edited: 18.02.2024

Tetrablemmidae gen. & sp. ‘Raivavae’

Raivavaean Armored Spider (Tetrablemmidae gen. & sp.)

The family Tetrablemmidae is a rather small familiy of spiders that mainly occurs in southeast Asia.

This form is known from subfossil remains found on the island of Raivavae, Austral Islands.

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edited: 31.10.2020

Australdonta yoshii Solem

Yoshi’s Australdonta Snail (Australdonta yoshii)

Yoshi’s Australdonta Snail was described in 1976 on the basis of subfossil specimens that were found on the foot of the Matonaa plateau on the island of Rurutu, Austral Islands.

The shells reach sizes of 0.29 to 0.35 cm in diameter; they are light yellowish white with prominent somewhat irregular, zigzag-shaped, reddish flammulations, becoming narrower and more sharply angled on the shell’s base, merging near or in the umbilicus. [1]

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References:

[1] Alan Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part I, Family Endodontidae. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1976

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edited: 18.02.2024

Australdonta teaae Sartori, Gargominy & Fontaine

Tea’s Australdonta Snail (Australdonta teaae)

This species was described in 2013; it is known by 24 subfossil specimens that were collected on the island of Rurutu in the Austral archipelago.

The shells are very large, much wider than high, discoidal, white with reddish-brown flammulations on the apical surface, often faintly visible peripherally on the shell’s base through the subpellucid shell wall.

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Photo: O. Gargominy
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

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References:

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edited: 18.02.2024

Tubuaia voyana ssp. oromanaensis Kondo

Oromana Tubuaia Snail (Tubuaia voyana ssp. oromanaensis)

The Oromana Tubuaia Snail was described in 1962; it was only ever known from its type locality, the Oromana Hills on the island of Rimatara in the Austral archipelago, a place that today is completely degraded and transformed into agricultural fields (like actually most of the island).

This snail is now clearly extinct. [1]

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References:

[1] Olivier Gargominy; Benoît Fontaine: A Global Overview of the Terrestrial and Freshwater Molluscs. In: Jean-Yves Meyer; Elin. M. Claridge: Biodiversity of the Austral Islands, French Polynesia. Muséum national d´Histoire naturelle, Paris. 55-91. 2014

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edited: 02.05.2022

Australdonta rimatarana Solem

Rimatara Australdonta Snail (Australdonta rimatarana)

The Rimatara Australdonta Snail was described in 1976; it is known from about 12 specimens that were collected near Anapoto, a village in western Rurutu on the Austral Islands.

The shells reach sizes of 0.29 to 0.32 cm; they are light yellow horn-colored with rather broad, irregular, reddish flammulations that fade out on the shell’s base.

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References:

[1] Alan Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part I, Family Endodontidae. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1976

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edited: 18.02.2024

Australdonta sp. ‘Rimatara 3’

Undescribed Australdonta Snail (Australdonta sp.)

This form is known only on the basis of subfossil material that was found on the island of Rurutu, Austral Islands.

The taxon is apparently not identical with any of the already described taxa from the island but apparently the remains are too scanty for a proper description yet. [1]

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References:

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edited: 18.02.2024

Australdonta pharcata Solem

Taahuaia Australodonta Snail (Australdonta pharcata)

This species was described in 1976; it is known only from the type locality, which today is the village of Taahuaia on the island of Tubuai, Austral Islands.

The shells reach sizes of about 0.46 cm; the original color isn’t known, however, they still show traces of irregularly spaced, narrow to broad, reddish flammulations above the periphery.

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References:

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edited: 18.02.2024

Australdonta sp. ‘Rimatara 1’

Undescribed Australdonta Snail (Australdonta sp.)

This form is known only on the basis of subfossil material that was found on the island of Rurutu, Austral Islands.

The taxon is apparently not identical with any of the already described taxa from the island but apparently the remains are too scanty for a proper description yet. [1]

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References:

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edited: 18.02.2024

Gallirallus astolfoi Salvador, Anderson & Tennyson

Rapa Rail (Gallirallus astolfoi)

This species is known from subfossil remains that were recovered from deposits on the island of Rapa, Austral Islands; it was described in 2021.

The form apparently was similar yet smaller than the Buff-banded Rail (Gallirallus philippensis (L.)), like all now extinct Polynesian rails, also this form was completely flightless. [1]

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References:

[1] J. D. Tennyson; Atholl Anderson: Bird, reptile and mammal remains from archaeological sites on Rapa Island. In: Atholl Anderson; Douglas J. Kennett: Taking the High Ground; The archaeology of Rapa, a fortified island in remote East Polynesia. In: Terra Australis 37. 105-114. Canberra, ANU E Press 2012
[2] Rodrigo B. Salvador; Atholl Anderson; Alan J. D. Tennyson: An Extinct New Rail (Gallirallus, Aves: Rallidae) Species from Rapa Island, French Polynesia. Taxonomy 1(4): 448-457. 2021

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edited: 08.02.2020

Minidonta haplaenopla Solem

Simply-armed Minidonta Snail (Minidonta haplaenopla)

This species was described in 1976 from empty shells that were collected at the Matonaa Plateau on the island of Rurutu, Austral Islands.

The shells are rather large for the genus, about 0,23 to 0,3 cm in diameter. [1]

***

The species was not recorded during recent searches and is now best considered extinct. [2]

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References:

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edited: 04.10.2017

Australdonta radiella ssp. rurutuensis (Garrett)

Rurutuan Round Australdonta Snail (Australdonta radiella ssp. rurutuensis)

This somewhat enigmatic form was described in 1879, apparently based on a single specimen from the island of Rurutu that differs only slightly from the ‘normal’ Australdonta radiella (Pfeiffer) from the neighboring island of Tubuai.

“The only significant difference from Australdonta radiella radiella lies in having 17 distinguishable parietals. Shape and sculpture fall within the limits of variation observed for the nominate race. The diameter (3.52 mm.) is less than that of nearly all adult A. radiella radiella, but the shell is clearly subadult and this difference has no significance.” [1]

***

syn. Endodonta rurutuensis (Garrett), Helix rurutuensis (Garrett), Patula rurutuensis Garrett

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References:

[1] Alan Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part I, Family Endodontidae. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1976

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edited: 18.02.2024

Microcystis kondoi Baker

Kondo‘s Microcystis-Schnecke (Microcystis kondoi)

This species, described in 1938, is endemic to the island of Tubuai, Austral Islands in French Polynesia. [1]

The species was not found during recent searches and is thought to be extinct. [2]

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References:

[1] H. Burrington Baker: Zonitid snails from Pacific Islands: Southern genera of Microcystinae. Bishop Museum Bulletins 158: 1-101. 1938
[2] Olivier Gargominy; Benoît Fontaine: A Global Overview of the Terrestrial and Freshwater Molluscs. In: Jean-Yves Meyer; Elin. M. Claridge: Biodiversity of the Austral Islands, French Polynesia. Muséum national d´Histoire naturelle, Paris. 55-91. 2014

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edited: 22.03.2018

Microcystis andersoni H. B. Baker

Anderson’s Microcystis Snail (Microcystis andersoni)

Anderson’s Microcystis Snail was described in 1938, it is known from specimens that had been collected in 1934 under logs and stones at a hillside of Mt. Tavaetu on the island of Tubuai, Austral Islands.

The author gives a description of the life animal.:

“Animal similar to M. ornatella but with row of black dots between pedal grooves, similar squarish ones above this and vaguer, smaller ones below; mantle-lobes and shell-laps edged with dark spots.” [1]

***

The species could not be found during recent searches and is considered most likely extinct. [2]

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References:

[1] H. Burrington Baker: Zonitid snails from Pacific Islands: Southern genera of Microcystinae. Bishop Museum Bulletins 158: 1-101. 1938
[2] Olivier Gargominy; Benoît Fontaine: A Global Overview of the Terrestrial and Freshwater Molluscs. In: Jean-Yves Meyer; Elin. M. Claridge: Biodiversity of the Austral Islands, French Polynesia. Muséum national d´Histoire naturelle, Paris. 55-91. 2014

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edited: 16.05.2019

Australdonta magnasulcata Solem

Large-furrowed Australdonta Snail (Australdonta magnasulcata)

The Large-furrowed Australdonta Snail was described in 1976; it is known from subfossil specimens that had been collected from the Matonaa plateau on the island of Rurutu, Australian Islands.

The shells reach sizes of about 0.37 cm in diameter; they are light yellow horn-colored with faint, irregular, rather widely spaced, reddish flammulations that fade out on the shell’s base.

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References:

[1] Alan Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part I, Family Endodontidae. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1976

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edited: 18.02.2024

Electrina succinea ssp. orites Cooke & Clench

Smaller Electrina Snail (Electrina succinea ssp. orites)

This subspecies was described in the year 1943 on the basis of specimens, which were collected at the Mt. Perahu at elevations of about 365 to 548 m, and which differ from the nominate race.

The shells are smaller, thinner, and obviously distinctly colored.

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References:

[1] C. Montague Cooke Jr.; William J. Clench: Land Shells (Synceridae) from the Southern and Western Pacific. Bishop Museum Occasional Papers 17(20): 249-262. 1943
[2] Olivier Gargominy; Benoît Fontaine: A Global Overview of the Terrestrial and Freshwater Molluscs. In: Jean-Yves Meyer; Elin. M. Claridge: Biodiversity of the Austral Islands, French Polynesia. Muséum national d´Histoire naturelle, Paris. 55-91. 2014

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edited: 10.09.2020

Australdonta degagei (Garrett)

De Gage’s Australdonta Snail (Australdonta degagei)

De Gage’s Australdonta Snail was described in 1879; it is allegedly known from specimens collected in Ma’uke, Cook Islands as well as from Rimatara and Rurutu, Austral Islands, which is very strange.

The shells reach sizes of about 0.28 to 0.35 cm in diameter; they are light yellow horn-colored with light somewhat irregular, reddish flammulations.

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References:

[1] Alan Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part I, Family Endodontidae. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1976

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edited: 18.02.2024

cf. Ducula sp. ‚Rapa‘

Large Rapa Pigeon (cf. Ducula sp.)

This species is known from several subfossil remains that were recovered from deposits on the island of Rapa, Austral Islands.

These remains come from a larger species, like a larger Ducula sp., and shows some indications of reduced powers of flight or even flightlessness, which is now known from several extirpated Polynesian pigeon species. [1]

***

The sole surviving pigeon species on the island of Rapa today is the Rapa Fruit-Dove (Ptilinopus huttoni Finsch), which itself is somewhat aberrant and unusual large for a member of its genus.

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References:

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edited: 08.02.2020

Cookeana vindex H. B. Baker

Vindex Snail (Cookeana vindex)

The Vindex Snail was described in 1938, specimens were collected in 1934 at the northeastern slope of Mt. Pane on the island of Tubuai, Austral Islands.

The shells were turbinate and had large whorls, they were light brown, dull and hairy above with a polished base and bright chestnut with a light-brown band just below the angle.

The author of the species also gives a description of the animal itself.:

“Animal with foot usually dark, more deeply pigmented between pedal grooves, in 3 middorsal stripes on head and over mantle-lobes and shell-lap; lung dark or with network of transparent, whitish patches around kidney and pulmonary vein; apical whorls with considerable dark pigment and with blood vessels outlined by chalky deposit, Tail with distinct dorsomedian groove and short tail horn.” [1]

***

This species was not found during all recent surveys and is believed to be extinct. [2]

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References:

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edited: 16.05.2019

Australdonta tapina Solem

(Australdonta tapina)

This species was described in 1976 on the basis of subfossil specimens found on a Makatea cliff in the lowlands of western Rurutu, Austral Islands.

The shells reach sizes of about 0.31 to 0.38 cm in diameter; the are light yellowish white with widely spaced, irregularly shaped, reddish markings that fade out below the periphery.

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References:

[1] Alan Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part I, Family Endodontidae. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1976

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edited: 18.2.2024

Australdonta florencei Sartori, Gargominy & Fontaine

Florence’s Australdonta Snail (Australdonta florencei)

Florence’s Australdonta Snail was described in 2013; it is known by the astonishing number of 1732 subfossil specimens all of which were collected on the island of Rurutu, Austral Islands.

The shells are depressed, white to light fawn-colored, usually without markings but some specimens bear narrow, oblique or curved flammulations fading out towards the shell’s base.

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Photo: O. Gargominy
http://www.mnhn.fr
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

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References:

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edited: 18.02.2024

Myoporum rimatarense F. Br.

Rimatara Myoporum (Myoporum rimatarense)

This species, described in 1935, is known only from the type, collected at the beach near the village of Amaru on the island of Rimatara in the Austral Archipelago.

The material is sufficient enough to prove that this is indeed a distinct species that differs from the other two Myoporum species that are known to occur on the Austral Archipelago (Myoporum rapense F. Br. and Myoporum stokesii F. Br.).

The species is considered extinct. [1]

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References:

[1] R. J. Chinnock: Eremophila and Allied Genera: A Monograph of the Plant Family Myoporaceae. Rosenberg Pub. 2007

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edited: 23.09.2017

Cookeana anathesis H. B. Baker

Cookeana Snail (Cookeana anathesis)

The Cookena Snail was described in 1938 based on specimens that had been collected in 1934 at a lowland hill side at Mt. Tavaetu on the island of Tubuai, Austral Islands. The species was originally found, apparently quite abundantly, on all kind of native vegetation as well as under logs and stones.

The Cookeana Snail was similar to the congeneric Vindex Snail (Cookeana vindex H. B. Baker), with which together it was described, but differed from that species by several characters including its shell-lap having a row of black dots. [1]

***

This species was not found during all recent surveys and is believed to be extinct. [2]

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References:

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edited: 16.05.2019

Samoana sp. ‘Rimatara’

Rimatara Samoana Snail (Samoana sp.)

This form is known only on the basis of subfossil material that hasn’t been described so far; nevertheless, it might very well represent a distinct species, endemic to the island of Rimatara, and now extinct. [1]

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References:

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edited: 04.06.2021

Pampusana sp. ‘Tubuai’

Tubuai Ground Dove (Pampusana sp.)

This form is known from subfossil remains that were recovered from archaeological deposits on the island of Taubuai, Austral Islands. [1]

The Tubuai Ground Dove may be identical with one of the congeneric forms that had been found on the island of Rurutu, also in the Austral archipelago.

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References:

[1] Trevor H. Worthy; Robert Bollt: Prehistoric birds and bats from the Atihara Site, Tubuai, Austral Islands, East Polynesia. Pacific Science 65(1): 69-85. 2011

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edited: 09.03.2020

Minidonta sulcata Solem

Sulcate Minidonta Snail (Minidonta sulcata)

This species was described in 1976, it is apparently known from only four specimens, that were collected from the same locality on the island of Raiavavae, Austral Islands, that also harbored the shells of the Anatonu Minidonta Snail (Minidonta anatonuana Solem), the Micro-coned Minidonta Snail (Minidonta micraconica Solem), and the Planulate Minidonta Snail (Minidonta planulata Solem).

The shells reach sizes of about 0,2 to 0,23 cm in diameter. [1]

***

The species wasn’t found during recent searches and is now considered extinct. [2]

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References:

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edited: 04.10.2017

Australdonta pseudplanulata Solem

Plane Australdonta Snail (Australdonta pseudplanulata)

The Plane Australdonta Snail was described in 1976; it was named after its similarity to the Plane Minidonta Snail (Minidonta planulata Solem) with which it shared its habitat.

This is the smallest species within its genus; the shells reach sizes of 0.5 to 0.28 cm; they are light yellowish horn-colored without any darker markings. [1]

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References:

[1] Alan Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part I, Family Endodontidae. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1976

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edited: 18.02.2024

Microcystis adusta H. B. Baker

Burnt Microcystis Snail (Microcystis adusta)

The Burnt Microcystis Snail was described in 1938, it was in 1934 collected near the shore in littoral forest on the island of Tubuai, Austral Islands.

The species is described as having been similar to the congeneric Anderson’s Microcystis Snail (Microcystis andersoni H. B. Baker) with which tiogether it was described. [1]

***

The Burnt Microcystis snail was not recorded during recent field surveys and may be already extinct.

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References:

[1] H. Burrington Baker: Zonitid snails from Pacific Islands: Southern genera of Microcystinae. Bishop Museum Bulletins 158: 1-101. 1938
[2] Olivier Gargominy; Benoît Fontaine: A Global Overview of the Terrestrial and Freshwater Molluscs. In: Jean-Yves Meyer; Elin. M. Claridge: Biodiversity of the Austral Islands, French Polynesia. Muséum national d´Histoire naturelle, Paris. 55-91. 2014

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edited: 16.05.2019

Pampusana sp. 2 ‘Rurutu’

Rurutu Ground Dove (Pampusana sp.)

This is another species from the genus Pampusana (formerly Alopecoenas) that is known from subfossil remains found on the island of Rurutu, Austral Islands. [1]

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References:

[1] David W. Steadman; Robert Bollt: Prehistoric Birds from Rurutu, Austral Islands, East Polynesia. Pacific Science 64(2): 315-325. 2010

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edited: 09.03.2020

Australdonta pakalolo Sartori, Gargominy & Fontaine

Pakalolo Australdonta Snail (Australdonta pakalolo)

This species was described in 2013; it is known from only two subfossil specimens that were found on the island of Rurutu in the Austral archipelago.

The shells are depressed to subdepressed, light fawn-colored, without markings.

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References:

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edited: 18.02.2024

Ptilinopus sp. ‘Tubuai’

Tubuai Fruit-Dove (Ptilinopus sp.)

The Tubuai Fruit-Dove is known from subfossil remains that were recovered from a archaeological site on the island of Tubuai, Austral Islands.

These remains differ significantly from the bones of its geographically nearest congeners, the Rapa Fruit-Dove (Ptilinopus huttoni Finsch) from Rapa, Austral Islands, and the Lilac-crowned Fruit-Dove (Ptilinopus rarotongensis Hartlaub & Finsch) from Rarotonga, Cook islands.

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References:

[1] Trevor H. Worthy; Robert Bollt: Prehistoric birds and bats from the Atihara Site, Tubuai, Austral Islands, East Polynesia. Pacific Science 65(1): 69-85. 2011

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edited: 29.05.2019

Australdonta magnasulcatissima Zimmermann, Gargominy & Fontaine

Many-furrowed Australdonta Snail (Australdonta magnasulcatissima)

The Many-furrowed Australdonta Snail was described in 2009 on the basis of subfossil specimens; it is only known from Mato Toerau on the island of Rurutu, Austral Islands, where it was found together with the remains of at least one additional congeneric species.

The shells reach sizes of about 0.5 cm; they are rather worn and creamy white with tawny flammulations visible mainly on the shell’s upper part. [1]

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References:

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edited: 18.02.2024

Australdonta anneae Sartori, Gargominy & Fontaine

Anne’s Australdonta Snail (Australdonta anneae)

This species was described in 2013; it is known from three subfossil specimens that were found on the island of Rurutu, Austral Islands.

The shells are depressed, white to light fawn-colored and bear no visible markings.

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References:

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edited: 18.02.2024

Australdonta microspiralis Zimmermann, Gargominy & Fontaine

Micro-spiraled Austral Snail (Australdonta microspiralis)

The Micro-spiraled Austral Snail was described in 2009; it is only known from subfossil specimens that were recovered from a locality near the eastern coast of Rurutu, Austral Islands.

The shells reach sizes of about 0.34 cm in diameter; being subfossil they are very worn, creamy white and decorated with faded orange flammulations. [1]

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References:

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edited: 18.02.2024

Australdonta collicella Zimmermann, Gargominy & Fontaine

Small Rurutu Austral Snail (Australdonta collicella)

The Small Rurutu Austral Snail was described in 2009; it is only known from subfossil specimens that were recovered from a locality near the eastern coast of Rurutu, Austral Islands.

The shells reached sizes of about 0.58 cm in diameter; they are, of course, quite worn and are creamy white, decorated with fading orange flammulations. [1]

***

The island of Rurutu is now known to have once harbored at least 11 species of this genus, all of them are now extinct. [2]

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References:

[1] Gabrielle Zimmermann; Olivier Gargominy; Benoît Fontaine: Quatre espèces nouvelles d’Endodontidae (Mollusca, Pulmonata) éteints de Rurutu (Îles Australes, Polynésie française). Zoosystema 31(4): 791-805. 2009
[2] Olivier Gargominy; Benoît Fontaine: A Global Overview of the Terrestrial and Freshwater Molluscs. In: Jean-Yves Meyer; Elin. M. Claridge: Biodiversity of the Austral Islands, French Polynesia. Muséum national d´Histoire naturelle, Paris. 55-91. 2014

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edited: 18.02.2024

Australdonta ectopia Solem

Foreign Australdonta Snail (Australdonta ectopia)

The Foreign Australdonta Snail was described in 1976; it is known only from subfossil remains that were found in 1934 on the island of Raivavae, Austral Islands.

The shells reach sizes of about 0.44 to 0.48 cm; they are highly worn and are lacking any traces of their former coloration. [1]

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References:

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edited: 18.02.2024

Orangia maituatensis Solem

Maitua Orangia Snail (Orangia maituatensis)

This species was described in 1976, it is endemic to the island of Rapa, Austral Islands, where it appears to be (or have been) restricted to cliffs near Maitua in the southern part of the island, and Mt. Tautautu.

The shells reach sizes of about 0,38 to 0,44 cm in diameter. [1]

***

The Maitua Orangia Snail was not found during recent field surveys and may be extinct. [2]

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References:

[1] A. Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part I, Family Endodontidae. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1976
[2] Olivier Gargominy; Benoît Fontaine: A Global Overview of the Terrestrial and Freshwater Molluscs. In: Jean-Yves Meyer; Elin. M. Claridge: Biodiversity of the Austral Islands, French Polynesia. Muséum national d´Histoire naturelle, Paris. 55-91. 2014

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edited: 18.03.2017

Australdonta sulcata Zimmermann, Gargominy & Fontaine

Sulcate Australdonta Snail (Australdonta sulcata)

The Sulcate Australdonta Snail was described in 2009; it is known only from subfossil specimens that were recovered from a locality at the base of a Makatea cliff near the eastern coast of Rurutu, Austral Islands.

The shells reach sizes of about 0.36 cm; they are very worn, creamy white and are decorated with faded orange flammulations.

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References:

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edited: 18.02.2024

Orangia cookei ssp. cookei Solem

Cooke’s Orangia Snail (Orangia cookei ssp. cookei)

The genus Orangia contains three species, of which one again, is split into three subspecies; all are endemic to the island of Rapa, Austral Islands; and all were described together in 1976. [1]

***

Cooke’s Orangia Snail is thought to consists of three subspecies, besides the nominate race these are, the Montane Orangia Snail (Orangia cookei ssp. montana Solem), and the Mt. Tautautu Orangia Snail (Orangia cookei ssp. tautautuensis Solem).

The nominate race is (or rather was) restricted to the vicinity of Mt. Orangi, Mt. Tanga, and Mt. Tepiahu.

The shells reach sizes of about 0,33 to 0,45 cm in diameter. [1]

***

The Montane Orangia Snail appears to be the sole survivor of its genus, it is the only species that was found during recent field work. [2]

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References:

[1] A. Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part I, Family Endodontidae. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1976
[2] Olivier Gargominy; Benoît Fontaine: A Global Overview of the Terrestrial and Freshwater Molluscs. In: Jean-Yves Meyer; Elin. M. Claridge: Biodiversity of the Austral Islands, French Polynesia. Muséum national d´Histoire naturelle, Paris. 55-91. 2014

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edited: 18.03.2017

Pampusana sp. 1 ‘Rurutu’

Rurutu Ground Dove (Pampusana sp.)

This up to now undescribed ground dove species is known exclusively from subfossil remains that were found on the island of Rurutu, Austral Islands.

The species shared its home island with another congeneric species. [1]

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References:

[1] David W. Steadman; Robert Bollt: Prehistoric Birds from Rurutu, Austral Islands, East Polynesia. Pacific Science 64(2): 315-325. 2010

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edited: 09.03.2020

Opanara caliculata Solem

Mt. Perahu Opanara Snail (Opanara caliculata)

This species was described in 1976 based on several specimens that were collected in 1934; it was inhabiting the native vegetation on the western ridge of Mt. Perahu on the island of Rapa, Austral Islands.

The shells reach sizes of about 0,3 to 0,34 cm in diameter.

This species might now be extinct, it has not been recorded during recent field studies.

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edited: 14.08.2022

Orangia sporadica Solem

Sporadic Orangia Snail (Orangia sporadica)

The Sporadic Orangia Snail was described in 1976.

The species is known from 102 specimens which all were collected in 1934. The snails were found hiding under stones in limited quantities at scattered localities.

The shells reach sizes of about 0,36 to 0,43 cm in diameter.

***

The Sporadic Orangia Snail was not found during the most recent field studies and may thus be extinct. [2]

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References:

[1] A. Solem: Endodontoid land snails from Pacific Islands (Mollusca: Pulmonata: Sigmurethra). Part I, Family Endodontidae. Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 1976
[2] Olivier Gargominy; Benoît Fontaine: A Global Overview of the Terrestrial and Freshwater Molluscs. In: Jean-Yves Meyer; Elin. M. Claridge: Biodiversity of the Austral Islands, French Polynesia. Muséum national d´Histoire naturelle, Paris. 55-91. 2014

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edited: 18.03.2017