Just about the time that Papuina (Papustyla) pulcherrima was listed, Dr. William
J. Clench related to me an experience that he, or his associate, had with these
snails on the Island of Manus.  Dr. Clench explained that it was typical for
expedition members to sleep in hammocks while in the Manus forests.  The hammocks
were tied between two tree trunks.  During the night the snails would venture down
the trunks and crawl all over the sleeping campers.  Bill said that upon waking,
which was often before dawn, gallon buckets could have been filled with the P.
pulcherrima that covered the men.  Anyone else hear of this?

Michael LaFosse

wtolman wrote:

> The green Snail of Manus Island of the coast of Papua New Guinea is another
> wonder of the world to me. Seems to me if Manus island is still here after
> mankind has vanished from the earth ,the snail will still be here. Manus
> Island is made up of high rocky mountains except a very small land area near
> the coast.This snail lives in these mountains which can not even be logged
> much less farmed. On top of this the mountains are covered with a rain forist
> canapy.Then there are huge tall trees that grow threw the canopy and this
> smart little critter lives in the tpo of these trees. It is a true wonder
> anything could find such a un hospitable place to live. A few go to local
> markets from around the edge of the mountains. A United States team went
> looking for them in the dry season and could not find one so they put them on
> the endangerd list. They go under the bark of the trees when it is dry.You can
> bet there are tons of them on the island but man or anythig else is not going
> to get them. Glenn Tolman.