(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species SNAIL, AMBER, OVATE, CHITTENANGO
Species Id ESIS355002
Date 13 MAR 96
TAXONOMY
NAME - SNAIL, AMBER, OVATE, CHITTENANGO
OTHER COMMON NAMES - SNAIL, AMBER, OVATE, CHITTENANGO; SNAIL, AMBER, APPALACHIAN; AMBERSNAIL and APPALACHIAN
ELEMENT CODE -
CATEGORY - Aquatic Molluscs
PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - MOLLUSCA,
CLASS AND SUBCLASS - GASTROPODA,
ORDER AND SUBORDER - STYLOMMATOPHORA,
FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - SUCCINEIDAE,
GENUS AND SUBGENUS - SUCCINEA,
SPECIES AND SSP - CHITTENANGOENSIS,
SCIENTIFIC NAME - SUCCINEA CHITTENANGOENSIS
AUTHORITY -
TAXONOMY REFERENCES -
COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY -
Chittenango Ovate Amber Snail
Succinea chittenangoensis Pilsbry, 1908
KINGDOM: Animal GROUP: Snail
PHYLUM: Mollusca CLASS: Gastropoda
ORDER: Stylommatophora FAMILY: Succineidae
The shell of Succinea chittenangoensis is ovate, slender and
acute with a height of 19-23 mm and a width of 10.5-11.3 mm, whorls
3 1/2. The spire is long, slightly less than half of the shell length
and the aperture is very oblique. The suture is deeply impressed.
The shell is subtranslucent, pale yellow or pinkish yellow in color.
The surface is somewhat glossy and marked with indistinct growth
wrinkles and lines. The animal itself is pale yellow and the mantle
and internal organs are often visible through the shell. The mantle
may be tinted with olive and is often profusely marked with black
stripes and blotches (01,02). The foot has a discrete black spot on
the posterior dorsum (09).
Succinea chittenangoensis Pilsbry 1908 was described as a
subspecies of the widespread Succinea ovalis Say 1817 (01,03) and is
often cited in the literature as Succinea ovalis chittenangoensis
(02). Solem (02), on the basis of genitalia and radula continues to
Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species SNAIL, AMBER, OVATE, CHITTENANGO
Species Id ESIS355002
Date 13 MAR 96
consider the Chittenango ovate amber snail a form of S. ovalis.
Hubricht and Grimm (03) consider it a distinct species. The Recovery
Plan takes the tack that S. chittenangoensis is a separate entity on
the basis of its apparent shell characteristics and stenotopic habitat
requirements. Based on anatomy, morphology and electrophoresis, S.
chittenangoensis is a distinct species but is very closely allied with
S. ovalis (09). Grimm (04) proposes the idea that S. chittenangoensis
may be a relict population of the Pleistocene fossil Succinea ovalis
pleistocenica (Baker, 1927).
The Chittenango ovate amber snail is also known as the
Appalachian amber snail or Appalachian ambersnail (05).
The type specimen of S. chittenangoensis is in the Academy of
Natural Sciences, Philadelphia (#90087). Excellent drawings of this
species are found in Pilsbry, Solem (01,03) and Hoagland and Davis
(09).
Taxonomy - 2 (DRAFT) - Status
Species SNAIL, AMBER, OVATE, CHITTENANGO
Species Id ESIS355002
Date 13 MAR 96
STATUS
Coded Status
T: Federal Threatened
COMMENTS ON STATUS -
U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS:
The Chittenango ovate amber snail (Succinea chittenangoensis) has
been designated a Threatened species pursuant to the Endangered
Species Act of 1973 (50 CFR 17.11; P.L. 93-205, 87 Stat. 884;
16 U.S.C. 1531-1540), as amended. The species has this status
wherever found; currently it is only known to exist in Madison County,
NY. Critical Habitat has not been designated.
This species is protected by the Lacey Act (P.L. 97-79, as
amended; 16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq.) which makes it unlawful to import,
export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase any wild animal
(alive or dead including parts, products, eggs, or offspring):
(1) in interstate or foreign commerce if taken, possessed,
transported or sold in violation of any State law or
regulation, or foreign law; or
(2) if taken or possessed in violation of any U.S. law,
treaty, or regulation or in violation of Indian tribal law.
It is also unlawful to possess any wild animal (alive or dead
including parts, products, eggs, and offspring) within the U.S.
territorial or special maritime jurisdiction (as defined in
18 U.S.C. 7) that is taken, possessed, transported, or sold in
violation of any State law or regulation, foreign law, or Indian
tribal law.
RESPONSIBLE FEDERAL AGENCIES:
USFWS -Responsible for the management/recovery, listing, and
law enforcement/protection of this species. However,
the State of New York actually performs the recovery
tasks.
All Federal agencies have responsibility to ensure that any
action authorized, funded, or carried out by that agency is not likely
to jeopardize the continued existence of the species or result in the
destruction or adverse modification of Critical Habitat (50 CFR 402),
and to utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the
conservation of the species.
STATE STATUSES AND LAWS:
STATE: New York
DESIGNATED STATUS: Endangered
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: NY State Dept. Environmental Conservation
STATE STATUTE: "Endangered, Threatened, and Special Concern
Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Status
Species SNAIL, AMBER, OVATE, CHITTENANGO
Species Id ESIS355002
Date 13 MAR 96
Species of New York State"; Environ. Conserv.
Law, Sec. 3-0305 and Art. 11; 6 NY Code Rules and
Regs. 182.5, Apr. 30, 1983.
INTERNATIONAL STATUSES, TREATIES, AND AGREEMENTS:
None.
ECONOMIC STATUSES:
The Chittenango ovate amber snail has educational, scientific and
aesthetic value to man.
76/04/28:41 FR 17742/17747 - Proposed rule, list as Threatened
78/07/03:43 FR 28932/28935 - Final rule, listed as Threatened
83/12/08:48 FR 55100/55102 - Notice of review
85/07/22:50 FR 29900/29901 - Notice of 5 year review completion
Status - 2 HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
HABITAT - TERRESTRIAL
INLAND AQUATIC
LAND USE -
Mixed Urban or Built-up Land
Cropland and Pasture
Deciduous Forest Land
Streams and Canals
Bare Exposed Rock
NATIONAL WETLAND INVENTORY CODES
NWI NWICLS NWIMOD NWISPEC
Riverine, upper perennial RS2
Riverine, upper perennial RS1
Riverine, upper perennial RB2
Riverine, upper perennial RB1
COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS -
The Chittenango ovate amber snail (Succinea chittenangoensis) has
been found only on the rock ledges and talus zone saturated by spray
on the east side of Chittenango Falls (Chittenango Falls State Park,
Madison Co., NY). The snails do not live in the flowing water but are
found within a few feet of the stream on rocks and vegetation (03,06).
These areas are consistently cool (average substrate temperature 16
degrees C), humid, and covered with vegetation (mosses, liverworts and
herbaceous plants (up to 2 m tall)). Few snails are found or are
active when conditions are dry or too hot or cold. During wet
conditions the snails are observed actively crawling among the plants.
If conditions are dry, the snails attach themselves to the undersides
of leaves by an epiphragm. During the winter (or in extemely hot
weather), the snails withdraw within the crevices and remain
inactive (03).
Recent analysis of the water chemistry and toxic chemicals in
other aquatic invertebrates have shown that point pollution from towns
upstream or from the extensive area of dairy farms around the Park are
not overtly destroying water quality. The aquatic invertebrates are
virtually free of chlorinated hydrocarbons (06). Forest of the
maple-beech-birch forest type is adjacent to the stream with
agricultural lands (primarily corn, hay fields or pasture) beyond.
The effects of human interference have been minimized. The
access to the ledges along the Falls and to the talus at the bottom
has been curtailed by fences erected in 1984 and 1985. The vegetation
in these areas once somewhat sparse has regrown into a lush mat. The
fencing has reduced the amount of erosion along the ledges and
prevented much of the trampling and habitat destruction (06).
Habitat Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species SNAIL, AMBER, OVATE, CHITTENANGO
Species Id ESIS355002
Date 13 MAR 96
FOOD HABITS
TROPHIC LEVEL -
HERBIVORE
LIFESTAGE FOOD FOOD PART
General Moss
General Forb Leaves/Stems
General Diatoms
General Algae
General Vascular Plants-Emergent Nonwoody
General Myxomycophyta
Food Habits - 1 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species SNAIL, AMBER, OVATE, CHITTENANGO
Species Id ESIS355002
Date 13 MAR 96
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G = General A = Adult
LIM = Limiting RA = Resting Adult
J = Juvenile FA = Feeding Adult
RJ = Resting Juvenile BA = Breeding Adult
FJ = Feeding Juvenile P = Pupae
L = Larvae E = Egg
RL = Resting Larvae
FL = Feeding Larvae
LIFESTAGE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G
G Aquatic Features: Pool areas
G Terrestrial Features: Talus
G Terrestrial Features: Cliffs/ledges
G Human Association: Public residential parks
Environment Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species SNAIL, AMBER, OVATE, CHITTENANGO
Species Id ESIS355002
Date 13 MAR 96
LIFE HISTORY
FOOD HABITS:
No stomach content analysis has been reported for the Chittenango
ovate amber snail (Succinea chittenangoensis), but S. ovalis (though
believed to live in drier habitats) is known to ingest living and dead
vascular (nonwoody) plant tissue, fungi, green and blue-green algae,
and diatoms (07). Juvenile Succinea probably eat similar foods.
HOME RANGE/TERRITORY:
This snail is not known to show any territorial behavior.
PERIODICITY:
This species' activity patterns are strongly affected by changes
in temperature and moisture. High temperatures and dry conditions
induce it to restict its activity, estivating on plants or retreating
into rock crevices. During the winter the snails remain inactive
within the rocks along the Falls. Wet weather brings the snails out
to browse on the plant cover along the shore of the river (03).
MIGRATION PATTERNS:
No migration is known.
COVER/SHELTER REQUIREMENTS:
Very little is known about the Chittenango ovate amber snail's
cover requirements. The snail seems to thrive in the moss and low
herbaceous plants growing on the ledges and talus around Chittenango
Falls. These plants grow best inside the spray zone but outside the
stream flow itself. Snails occasionally found on plants along the
stream in drier areas outside this narrow band of the spray zone all
have been determined to be part of the exotic Succinea putris complex.
Vegetation is quite sparse on the west side of the Falls and the
snails there are rarer and are also all in the S. putris complex (03,
06).
REPRODUCTIVE SITE REQUIREMENTS:
These snails deposit masses of jelly-like eggs at the base of
plants, under matted vegetation and in loose, wet soil (03,08).
REPRODUCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS:
Succineid snails are hermaphrodites and reproduce by
cross-fertilization with another snail. This species is thought to
breed from April through June, with oviposition taking place from May
to July (03). The eggs numbering from 4-15 per clutch are transparent
and jelly-like, lacking any calcium inclusions (03,08). The immature
snails hatch within 2-3 weeks. They hatch with shells about 2 mm long
and probably reach maturity at 10 mm (about 5-8 months of age), then
continue growing to about 21 mm. The entire life span is only about
two and one-half years (03).
PARENTAL CARE:
This snail is not known to exhibit any parental care of its
offspring.
Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species SNAIL, AMBER, OVATE, CHITTENANGO
Species Id ESIS355002
Date 13 MAR 96
POPULATION BIOLOGY:
Population estimates on the Chittenango ovate amber snail have
long been hampered by problems. At least three species of Succinea
(S. chittenangoensis, ovalis, and putris) have been identified as
living at the site. Since even experts have trouble distinguishing
the species in this family, it is not suprising that the population
trends of each entity are unknown since samples were often
misidentified. It was long thought that the subpopulation occurring
downstream was S. chittenangoensis. It is now believed to be the
introduced S. putris. Also the site has not been surveyed throughout
the year and there seems to be a great seasonality in occurrence.
Some of the surveys have been made by inexperienced people (snail
collecting is an acquired skill) who may have overlooked much of the
population. It is thought, however, that the snail population has
dropped dramatically since its description by Pilsbry in 1908 (01) and
now numbers less than a one hundred (10). The population is limited
by cover abundance, competition with other similar snails, possible
decrease in water quality and predation (03).
SPECIES INTERRELATIONSHIPS:
Succinea ovalis, S. putris, and Oxyloma decampi gouldi are
possible competitors for food, cover, etc. (01,02,03,06). Possible
predators include salamanders, small mammals, birds and insect larvae
(03).
OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS:
Nothing known.
Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species SNAIL, AMBER, OVATE, CHITTENANGO
Species Id ESIS355002
Date 13 MAR 96
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
Beneficial Restricting/regulating human disturbance of populations
Beneficial Maintaining/Controlling Water Flow
Beneficial Controlling pollution [thermal, chemical, physical]
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Pesticide Use
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Herbicide Use
Beneficial Reforestation
Beneficial Transplanting wild animals
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Noncommercial Harvest
Adverse Incidental Capturing/Killing
Existing Incidental Capturing/Killing
Adverse Rock Climbing
Existing Rock Climbing
Adverse Hiking/Camping
Existing Hiking/Camping
Adverse Low Gene Pool
Existing Low Gene Pool
Adverse Recreational development
Existing Recreational development
Adverse Shoreline modification/development
Existing Shoreline modification/development
Adverse Applying fertilizers
Existing Applying fertilizers
Adverse Applying herbicides
Existing Applying herbicides
Adverse Applying pesticides
Existing Applying pesticides
Adverse Environmental Contamination/Pollution
Existing Environmental Contamination/Pollution
Adverse Erosion
Existing Erosion
Adverse Vegetation Composition Changes
Existing Vegetation Composition Changes
COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES -
It is thought that the Chittenango ovate amber snail (Succinea
chittenangoensis) population has dropped dramatically since its
description by Pilsbry in 1908 (01) and now numbers no more than one
hundred (10). The Recovery Plan (03) discusses three major threats
that are or may have been detrimental to the only known population of
the snail:
1) pollution/toxic waste deposition in the creek water,
2) human interference in the form of trampling of snails and
preferred habitat, and
3) extremely small population with narrow habitat requirements.
A new threat has been identified since 1983. The presence of
Succinea putris, an exotic, appears to crowd out all other succineid
(11).
Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species SNAIL, AMBER, OVATE, CHITTENANGO
Species Id ESIS355002
Date 13 MAR 96
Invertebrates in general are sensitive to environmental pollution
and toxicants. Since the late 1800's, the Village of Cazenovia
discharged raw sewage into Chittenango Creek and the water quality at
the Falls deteriorated. In 1977, a sewage treatment plant with
secondary treatment was put into operation and the water consequently
contains less organic wastes. Ground seepage at the snail habitat may
have helped decrease the effects of pollution on the snails, but
pollution has been identified as a potential problem by a number of
experts. Arthur Clarke, in a 1977 letter to the Office of Endangered
Species, remarked that freshwater mussels were absent from a site
where in 1956 they were common, and that pollution was "probably a
factor in the elimination of the mussels and possibly also in the
reduction of S. chittenangoensis." Probably of more concern, however,
is the impact of chemical comtaminants on the species. Most of the
watershed of Chittenango Creek is agricultural, and fertilizers,
herbicides and pesticides may readily enter the drainage. Salt
applied in the winter to roads which cross or follow the creek may
affect the salinity of the habitat. Acid precipitation does not
appear to be a problem since the pH is buffered by the calcareous
soils and rocks of the watershed. However, the actual effects of
environmental pollution on the species are relatively unknown (03).
Since 1928, Chittenango Falls has been part of Chittenango Falls
State Park. Thousands of visitors come to the park each year to
engage in a variety of types of outdoor recreation such as hiking,
fishing, and rock climbing. These activities have brought a large
number of patrons down to the Falls area where potential conflicts may
arise. Trampling of the snail habitat and of the snails themselves
has been identified as a major potential threat. This threat had been
exacerbated when flood waters destroyed two bridges which tended to
route visitors away from the snail population. The bridges were
replaced in 1984 and 1985. In S. chittenango habitat, beverage
containers and fishing paraphernalia have been found at various levels
of the rock face and about the pool at the base of the Falls.
Dislodging rocks, talus or vegetation along the shoreline can
seriously impact the habitat and eggs, as well as the snails occurring
within the habitat. These same disruptions to the habitat can also
increase erosion possibly washing away food plants, snails, and/or
eggs. Furthermore, a patch of watercress inhabited by the snail is in
the direct path to the Falls and is extremely vulnerable. Both the
vegetation and the snails are suceptible to crushing, and the snails
are easily dislodged from the plants. It is estimated that all the
cress and over 60 percent of the talus habitat are vulnerable to
disturbance by humans (03).
The effects of human interference have been minimized. The
access to the ledges along the Falls and to the talus at the bottom
has been curtailed by fences erected in 1984 and 1985. The vegetation
in these areas once somewhat sparse has regrown into a lush mat. The
fencing has reduced the amount of erosion along the ledges and
prevented much of the trampling and habitat destruction (06).
Stenotopic species tend to be more vulnerable and stressed by
change. S. chittenangoensis is a Pleistocene relict which has been
able to survive in a small island of para-glacial habitat which mimics
the cool, moist conditions existing when the species was probably
Management Practices - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species SNAIL, AMBER, OVATE, CHITTENANGO
Species Id ESIS355002
Date 13 MAR 96
more common and widespread. Since the species is intolerant of
change, it is particularly vulnerable to even subtle modifications in
its environment, whether the change is evolutionary or human-induced.
Dealing with this problem is nearly impossible, except to minimize
human interference whenever possible (03).
The snail population may be in decline for other as yet
unexplained reasons. It is possible that the area around the Falls
has become so degraded (in essential habitat requirements for the
snail) that this relict, being intolerant to change, is losing ground
and may be replaced in the future by a more eurytopic species such as
the exotic Succinea putris. S. putris is now known to occur
throughout S. chittenangoensis habitat and all surrounding terrestrial
habitats on both east and west sides of the falls. Succinea putris,
known from Europe and the British Isles, is so similar to
S. chittenangoensis in size and shape that it was long thought to be
an alternative color phase to the snails from the Falls proper. This
area, once considered as an adjunct colony, may be an additional
threat (06). Another potential future threat is from degradation of
the water quality (03).
APPROVED PLAN:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1983. Chittenanto Ovate Amber Snail
Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv., Newton Corner, MA. 28 pp.
The primary objective of the Recovery Plan is to protect and
ensure the maintenance of the self-sustaining colony of Succinea
chittenangoensis at Chittenango Falls. Due to its extremely limited
range, delisting may occur only as a result of verification of at
least five additional self-sustaining colonies of this species that
are geographically isolated from each other and the Chittenango Falls
colony site. This objective will be continually reassessed as
additional data on this species become available.
Since little is known of this snail, additional recovery actions
to those mentioned below may be necessary to meet the primary
objective of this plan.
Recovery tasks include:
I. Preserve and protect the population and habitat:
A. Monitor the size and status of the Chittenango Falls
population.
B. Determine the occupied habitat at Chittenango Falls and
prevent alterations and destruction of habitat (e.g., prevent
erosion, maintain stream flow (and thus the spray zone), and
consider the snail's habitat requirements in any Park
activities).
C. Insure and maintain good water quality, minimizing or
eliminating actual or potential pollutants such as sewage
effluents, herbicides and pesticides; and determine the
toxicant levels in selected invertebrate indicator species at
Chittenango Falls.
D. Limit human access to the population and its habitat.
E. Establish an information and education system necessary to
Management Practices - 3 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species SNAIL, AMBER, OVATE, CHITTENANGO
Species Id ESIS355002
Date 13 MAR 96
achieve other tasks.
F. Enforce all laws protecting the species, including those
relating to scientific collecting.
G. Expand data on the species' biological and environmental
requirements.
H. Expand data on the species' Post-Pleistocene range.
II. Enhance the population and habitat of the snail as feasible.
A. Determine the feasibility of translocating wild individuals,
and implement as feasible or appropriate.
B. Enhance the habitat at Chittenango Falls through habitat
modification where feasible or appropriate.
All of these tasks are currently underway.
Management Practices - 4 (DRAFT) - References
Species SNAIL, AMBER, OVATE, CHITTENANGO
Species Id ESIS355002
Date 13 MAR 96
References
***** REFERENCES FOR ALL NARRATIVES EXCEPT N-OCCURRENCE *****
01 Pilsbry, H.A. 1948. Land Mollusca of North America - (north of
Mexico). Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. Monogr. 3. 2(2):771-790; 801-808.
02 Solem, A. 1976. Status of Succinea ovalis chittenangoensis
Pilsbry, 1908. Nautilus 90(3):107-114.
03 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1983. Chittenango Ovate Amber
Snail Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish & Wildl. Serv., Newton Corner, MA.
28 pp.
04 Grimm, F.W. 1981. A review of the Chittenango ovate amber snail
Succinea chittenangoensis, Pilsbry 1908 -- a Pleistocene relict now
greatly restricted in distribution. Contr. Rep. to NY State Dept.
Environ. Conserv, Endang. Sp. Unit. 30 pp.
05 Committee on Scientific and Vernacular Names of Mollusks. 1986.
A list of common and scientific names of aquatic invertebrates from
the United States and Canada - Mollusca. Amer. Fish. Soc., Spec.
Publ., Bethesda, MD. 156 pp.
06 Briesch, A. 1986. Pers. comm. NY State Dept. of Environ.
Conserv., Endangered Species Unit, Albany.
07 Van Devender, A.S. 1972. Feeding behavior of three species of
Succineid snails. Malacological Review 5:12-13.
08 Tompa, A. 1984. Land snails (Stylommatophora). Pages 47-140.
IN: The Mollusca: Reproduction. Vol. 7, Ch. 2.
09 Hoagland, K.E. and G.M. Davis. 1987. The succineid snail fauna of
Chittenango Falls, N.Y.: Taxonomic status with comparisons to
other relevant taxa. NY Dept. Environ. Conservation Rept., Albany.
10 Aloi, M. 1986. Populations dynamics of a pulmonate snail adjacent
to a central New York stream. M.S. thesis. State Univ. of NY.
11 Hubricht, L. 1985. The distribution of the native land mollusks
of the eastern U.S. Field Mus. of Nat. Hist., Chicago, IL.
191 pp.
***** REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY *****
01 Pilsbry, H.A. 1948. Land Mollusca of North America - (north of
Mexico). Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. Monogr. 3. 2(2):771-790; 801-808.
02 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1983. Chittenango Ovate Amber
Snail Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Newton
Corner, MA. 28 pp.
03 Solem, A. 1976. Status of Succinea ovalis chittenangoensis
Pilsbry, 1908. Nautilus 90(3):107-114.
04 Grimm, F.W. 1981. A review of the Chittenango ovate amber snail
Succinea chittenangoensis, Pilsbry 1908 -- a Pleistocene relict now
greatly restricted in distribution. Contract Rep. to NY State
Dept. Environ. Conserv, Endang. Species Unit. 30 pp.
05 Hoagland, K.E. and G.M. Davis. 1987. The succineid snail fauna of
Chittenango Falls, N.Y.: Taxonomic status with comparisons to
other relevant taxa. NY Dept. Environ. Conservation Rept., Albany.
References - 1