User:Ilytehani/Achatinella fulgens

O’ahu Tree Snails (Achatinella fulgens) also known as Kahuli in Hawaiian is a land snail from the species Achatinellidae. O’ahu tree snails are endemic to Hawai’i and are currently extremely endangered. Their shells were previously used to make leis and they were mentioned in Hawaiian mo’olelo.

Distribution and habitat
This species is endemic to Hawaii and can be found in the Ko’olau Mountains, usually in places where it has low elevation.

Description
The shells are around 2 cm in length and are adorned with stripes or spiraled lines that are white and brown in color.

Predators and Threats

 * Rats
 * Jackson Chameleons
 * Rosy Wolf Snail

Low growth rates and fertility rates, predators and natural disturbances can leave them vulnerable. Non-Native plants also degrade their habitats.

Hawaiian stories
Native hawaiians would often collect these shells to make leis, hawaiians also thought the Kahuli were snails that could sing and they would chirp as they moved along trees.