Investigations into causes of death of endangered molluscs (Partula species)

Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, The University, Canterbury, Kent.

Molluscs of the genus Partula are threatened with extinction; captive populations of some species have shown a marked and unexplained decline in numbers. Histopathological, electron microscopical and bacteriological studies were carried out on normal and 'pathological' specimens of Partula species. Although tissue changes and microorganisms were detected, the findings did not suggest that infectious or non-infectious disease contributed significantly to the disease or death of the snails. Additional investigations are suggested.