Current status
This species was formerly considered threatened on a global scale but new records suggest that this is not the case. In the UK, Desmoulin`s whorl snail is known from a series of sites in England stretching in a broad band from Dorset to Norfolk. It is restricted to long-established calcareous wetlands, usually where there is a tall growth of sedges (Carex spp), saw-sedge (Cladium mariscus), reed-grass (Glyceria maxima) or reed (Phragmites australis) and a wide variety of other emergent waterside vegetation.
This snail is listed on Annex II of the EC Habitats Directive, and is listed as Rare in the GB Red List.
Current factors causing loss or decline
Destruction of wetlands.
Habitat degradation, particularly as a result of changes in hydrology.
Current action
JNCC and NE have funded a series of surveys at selected sites to determine the distribution and habitat requirements of the snail.
Four sites have been proposed as SACs under the EC Habitats Directive.
Action plan objectives and targets
Maintain viable populations of the snail across its current range.
Proposed actions with lead agencies
Policy and legislation
Consider providing incentives for wetland management and restoration under appropriate agri-environment programmes in areas where the snail occurs, particularly where such incentives could contribute to the maintenance or restoration of water quality and quantity. (ACTION: MAFF)
Ensure the requirements of this species are taken into account when considering any possible extension of ESAs to cover marshes containing occupied water courses. (ACTION: MAFF)
Seek to ensure that local flood defence activities and water level management plans take account of the requirements of the species. (ACTION: NRA)
Site safeguard and management
Seek to ensure that local water abstraction policies take account of the need to protect the snail. (ACTION: NRA)
Encourage the sympathetic management of occupied wetland sites. (ACTION: NE, NRA)
Species management and protection
No action proposed.
Advisory
Ensure landowners and managers are aware of the presence and importance of conserving this snail, and appropriate methods of habitat management for its conservation. (ACTION: NE)
Future Research and Monitoring
Undertake further surveys in selected areas to clarify current distribution. (ACTION: NE)
Promote ecological research to determine habitat requirements more fully, to inform management advice. (ACTION: NE, NRA)
Pass information gathered during survey and monitoring of this species to JNCC or BRC so that it can be incorporated in national databases. (ACTION: NE)
Initiate monitoring programme on SACs.
Encourage research on the ecology and conservation of this species at an international level and use the information gained towards its conservation in the UK.
Communications and Publicity
No action proposed.
Links with other action plans
None given.
Publication details
Originally published in: Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report - Volume II: Action Plans (December 1995, Tranche 1, Vol 2, p172)
Related links
ARKive Visit the ARKive website to view images and further information relating to this species