Study moving at snail's pace

MITCH is as local as locals come. The critically endangered Mitchell’s rainforest snail is found only in coastal areas between Lennox Head and Tweed Heads.

And now it will go under the microscope thanks to a small research grant from the NSW Department of Environment.

The Byron and Tweed shire councils are teaming up with Southern Cross University students and staff to look into the native snail’s population, habitat and distribution.

At present, little is known about the elusive snail, which is distinguished by two white bands that loop its shell.

In the past decade, the few specimens that have been recorded were not alive to tell their tale.

Initial observations by the SCU team suggest the snails are found in small numbers and like to munch on fungi.

“The SCU students are revealing new insights into the ecology of this threatened species,” Byron Shire Council ecologist Mark Robinson said.

“They have recently developed a working relationship with a private landholder at Suffolk Park and it looks like being a very promising site to undertake parts of the research.”

The SCU project team includes Associate Professor Alison Specht, honours graduate and local resident Jonathan Parkyn, and two international students – Lira Andrade from Brazil and Anouk Klootwij from The Netherlands.

Northern Rivers residents are urged to contact Mr Robinson if they spot Mitch at home, or in their daily travels.

Phone Mr Robinson on 66267049 if you spot the snail.