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Magazine Mountain Shagreen
Inflectarius magazinensis
Family: Polygyridae
Description: The Magazine Mountain shagreen is a medium-sized land snail, about 0.4 inches (13 millimeters) wide and 0.2 inches (7 millimeters) high. It is dusky brown to buff colored. The species rough shell surface is covered with miniscule half-moon, scale-like processes that can be seen with a hand lens. On the outer lip of the shell's opening is a small triangular-shaped tooth; the inner side has a blade-like tooth. Close to the center
of the shell is a small swelling on the basal lip.
| Status: |
Federally Listed Threatened (April 17, 1989) Global Rank: G1 State Rank: S1 |
Distribution: The Magazine Mountain shagreen is known only from northern and western slopes of Magazine Mountain in Logan County, Arkansas. No other records exist for this species.
Habitat: Populations of the Magazine Mountain shagreen occur in talus slopes (accumulations of rock debris) near the summit of the north and west faces of Magazine Mountain and on the north slope of Bear Hollow on Magazine Mountain. Deciduous forests are found along the edges of these talus slopes and organic debris such as logs and leaf litter are probably used by the land snail for cover and/or food. Drier conditions on the south side of the mountain presumably restrict the land snail from inhabiting that area. The Magazine Mountain shagreen prefers cool, moist conditions and will move deep into rock crevasses in response to warm, dry weather. Total available habitat for this species has been estimated at 540 acres (218.5 hectares).
Diet: Although details are unknown, the Magazine Mountain shagreen likely feeds on decaying plant material.
Reproduction: Unknown
Cause of Decline: Whether or not this species has declined is difficult to assess due to a lack of detailed quantitative data. The Magazine Mountain shagreen is, however, one of Arkansas's most restricted endemic species and extant populations should be stringently protected and monitored for continued persistence.
Conservation Status: The restricted range of the Magazine Mountain shagreen makes it very vulnerable to any land use change or activity that could adversely affect the talus slopes in which it occurs. Pesticide/herbicide application, runoff, or drift could also have a detrimental impact on this species. The Magazine Mountain shagreen's entire range is located within the Magazine District of the Ozark National Forest. The U.S. Forest Service has designated the north slope of the mountain from the bluff line to the 1600 foot contour interval as a Special Interest Area. This area encompasses the Magazine Mountain shagreen's habitat. The designation protects the area from forest management practices that might be detrimental to the vegetation associated with the land snail's habitat.
