Endemic snail tree find in Rotuma

There is a need to revive a culture of biodiversity in Fiji, says LäjeRotuma Initiative (LRI)’s Monifa Fiu.

She made the comment after a University of the South Pacific student recently made a rare find on Rotuma island.

The student, Froseann Stevens, USP biology student found a tree snail, an endemic species on the island.

She was working on her project in collaboration with LRI, a community-based environmental education and awareness development programme when she made the discovery

Ms Fiu the LRI leader said: “To revive a culture of biodiversity amidst increasing development needs, we need to know what living treasures we have.

“Conserving our endemic species is one key aspect and shared responsibility in protecting our heritage.”

Ms Stevens created history by finding the first living tree snail.

USP associate Professor Gilianne Brodie, who is also the project leader, said this was a finding of great scientific interest at international-level.

Source: University of the South Pacific

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