Discovery of the Only Living Population of Pupoidopsis hawaiensis (Gastropoda: Pupillidae) in the Last 50 Years

Abstract

Abstract: Pupoidopsis hawaiensis Pilsbry & C.M. Cooke, 1921, and its monospecific genus, is the only representative of Pupillidae in tropical Pacific Islands. Although most of native species from that region are single island endemics, P. hawaiensis has been recorded from Hawaii to the Tuamotus. However, it has not been recorded alive since 1965. Here we report the only modern living population of that species from a single site in Anaa (Tuamotu archipelago). A single COI haplotype and a single 28S allele support the hypothesis of self-fertilization. The species should be listed as Critically Endangered, and included in the list of protected species of French Polynesia. An Action Plan for its conservation should be undertaken, with protection status given to its last known stronghold in Anaa.