Summary
Beddomeia launcestonensis is a tiny (2-4 mm) freshwater snail occurring in some sections of Lake Trevallyn and Cataract Gorge, at Launceston, in central north Tasmania. The species has a very narrow range, known only from a few localities along a 5 km stretch of the river below Trevallyn Dam and 5 sites within Lake Trevallyn. The principal threats to B. launcestonensis are associated with the impacted flow regime resulting from the construction of Lake Trevallyn and upstream agricultural and forestry activities, resulting in habitat modification or degradation. B. launcestonensis may also be vulnerable to competition with the exotic species Potamopyrgus antipodarum (New Zealand hydrobiid snail). The principal management objectives for B. launcestonensis include preventing the loss or degradation of habitat supporting known localities, increasing public awareness of the species, and improving the reservation status of the species.
Key Points
- Important: Is this species in your area? Do you need a permit? Ensure you’ve covered all the issues by checking the Planning Ahead page.
- Important: Different threatened species may have different requirements. For any activity you are considering, read the Activity Advice pages for background information and important advice about managing around the needs of multiple threatened species.
ActivityGeneral
Habitat
- 'Habitat’ refers to both known habitat for the species (i.e. in or near habitat where the species has been recorded) and potential habitat (i.e. areas of habitat with appropriate characteristics for the species and within the species' potential range which have not yet been adequately surveyed).
- If in doubt about whether a site represents potential habitat for this species, contact the Threatened Species Section for further advice.
- The known range of B. launcestonensis includes some sections of Lake Trevallyn and Cataract Gorge, Launceston (see distribution map, above). The potential range for B. launcestonensis is unlikely to extend beyond the currently known range.
- Habitat for B. launcestonensis includes the following elements: main river channel and associated scour pools, located under boulders and rocks both in still water and strong flow.
What to avoid
- Damage to stream habitat through altered flow regimes (e.g. due to hydroelectric impoundment and water release)
- Damage to downstream habitat through upstream agricultural and forestry activities
Surveying
ActivitySurveying
| Key |
Survey reliability more info |
| M |
Peak survey period |
| M |
Potential survey period |
| M |
Non-survey period |
To ensure you follow the law - check whether your survey requires a permit. Always report any new records to the Natural Values Atlas, or send the information direct to the Threatened Species Section. Refer to the Activity Advice: Surveying page for background information.
| Species |
Spring |
Summer |
Autumn |
Winter |
| Beddomeia launcestonensis |
S |
S |
O |
O |
N |
N |
D |
D |
J |
J |
F |
F |
M |
M |
A |
A |
M |
M |
J |
J |
J |
J |
A |
A |
- B. launcestonensis is a very small, hard to find species which can be difficult to tell apart from other hydrobiids. Identification to species normally requires a specialist.
- For further information on assistance in surveying or identifying this species, contact the Threatened Species Section.
Helping the species
ActivityConservation
- If you live or work in the area where the species occurs (see distribution map, above), look out for and record any observations of the species. All records of this species can provide important information on distribution and abundance.
- Important! Always report any observations of the species to the NRE Natural Values Atlas, or else provide the data direct to the Threatened Species Section. Records stored on the NVA are a permanent record and are accessible to other people interested in this species.
- Consider the needs of the whole habitat. Preserving a threatened species' habitat is the best way to manage both the species and the environment in which it lives.
Cutting or clearing trees or vegetation
ActivityCutting
Activities which result in habitat degradation are the principal threats to B. launcestonensis, including clearing of streamside vegetation.
To avoid damage to stream habitat - do not remove streamside vegetation around known localities.
To avoid downstream impacts - do not clear streamside vegetation upstream of known localities.
Burning
ActivityBurning
- Activities which result in habitat degradation are the principal threats to B. launcestonensis, including burning of streamside vegetation.
- To avoid damage to stream habitat - do not burn streamside vegetation around known localities.
- To avoid downstream impacts - do not burn streamside vegetation upstream of known localities.
Agriculture
ActivityAgriculture
- Activities which result in habitat degradation are the principal threats to B. launcestonensis, including clearing and conversion of streamside vegetation.
- To avoid downstream impacts - do not clear and convert (e.g. to pasture or plantation) streamside vegetation upstream of known localities.
Changing water flow / quality
ActivityAffectingWater
- Activities which result in habitat degradation are the principal threats to B. launcestonensis, including alterations to flow conditions within stream habitat.
- To avoid damage to stream habitat - avoid alterations to stream flow conditions, for example through hydroelectric impoundment.
Check also for listing statement or notesheet pdf above (below the species image).
FurtherInformation
