Save Happy Valley Coalition Saddened by Snail Deaths
The news that the critically endangered snail, Powelliphanta
augustus, has suffered death rates of up to 30% in their
first year since release has dismayed the Save Happy Valley
Coalition. The snails were translocated to allow their
habitat to be destroyed by Solid Energy so that it could
mine coal.
“It was always a high risk and untested translocation, so
we aren’t at all surprised that many of the snails have
died. Despite the assertions of Solid Energy and their
scientists, it was always clear that there was a high chance
of significant mortality. While it is heartening that the
captive population appears to be doing well, a species that
lives only in captivity is functionally extinct” said
Graham Jury, spokesperson for the Save Happy Valley
Coalition.
The open-cast coal mine that Solid Energy proposes for Happy
Valley - a nearby area rich in biodiversity including 13
threatened species – requires the ‘direct transfer’ of
a wetland, and destruction of a significant portion of the
habitat of another species of snail, Powelliphanta
patrickensis.
“Given the poor outcome that appears to be unfolding for
Powelliphanta augustus, based on Solid Energy’s shonky
scientific advice, the mine in Happy Valley cannot be
allowed to proceed. We cannot trust our natural heritage to
the high-risk ecological experiments of a coal company”
said Mr Jury.
For more information contact …
Graham Jury
Save Happy Valley Coalition Media Team
027 307 0448
Notes:
* Solid Energy's 1986 license to mine the ecologically precious area of Mt Augustus was granted under the Coal Mines Act, which created a legal loophole allowing them to ignore the current legislation of the RMA (1991).
* The Ngakawau Ecology Report carried out by DOC's own scientists in 1998 listed this area as a primary recommended area for protection (RAP)
* Powelliphanta augustus was discovered in 2003 after the license to mine 96% of its habitat was in place. Despite the advice of Solid Energy's own Technical Advisory Group, the company proceeded to strip-mine this area before succesfully translocating the species
* Powelliphanta expert Cath Walker described this animal as highly dependant upon many subtle environmental factors intrinsic to this core area, and necessary for the survival of this species (2003)
* The Save Happy Valley Coaliiton are a democratic consensus-driven community of individuals across New Zealand, who are concerned about climate change and New Zealand biodiversity loss, and have been committed to non-violently opposing the spread of the coal industry into areas of precious biodiversity since 2004.
