Current status of the non-indigenous molluscs in Chile, with the first record of Otala punctata (Müller, 1774) (Gastropoda: Helicidae) in the country and new records for Cornu aspersum (Müller, 1774) and Deroceras laeve (Müller, 1774)

Abstract

A new introduced species, Otala punctata (Müller, 1774) and new records in Chile for Cornu aspersum (Müller, 1774) and Deroceras laeve (Müller, 1774) are documented based on surveys carried out in northern and central areas of the country. The presence and distribution of these alien species are complemented with a comprehensive compilation of all 34 non-indigenous species of marine, freshwater and terrestrial Mollusca in Chile; until 1999, only 16 alien species were known in Chile. Most of these alien species are found exclusively in transformed habitats, few exist in natural environments. The mechanism of introduction for the majority of these non-indigenous species is unknown; however, horticultural development, urban and suburban transformation of original natural habitats, and the aquarium trade are the most likely pathways of introduction. The highest threat of alien species is direct competition and predation of native molluscs, especially the small native land gastropods. Education and continuous field surveys are vital to detect and prevent their propagation as well as to avoid introduction of additional alien taxa.

Keywords:

• alien species
• Chile
• land molluscs
• Otala lactea
• Cornu aspersum
• Mollusca

Acknowledgements

I am grateful to Lukas Landler, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Blacksburg, VA, USA) and to Cristopher B. Boyko, Dowling College, (Long Island, NY, USA) for helping with literature, and to Alan G. Beu, GNS Science (Lower Hutt, New Zealand) for his comments and correction of an early version of the manuscript. I am indebted also to two anonymous reviewers and to the academic editor for their commentaries, corrections and suggestions, which greatly improved the quality of the manuscript. I thank also Daniel Geiger (Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, Santa Barbara, CA, USA) who kindly checked the language and corrected a final version of the manuscript. This work is dedicated to Professor Cecilia Osorio (Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile) for her long contribution to the knowledge of Chilean molluscs and for her long friendship and personal support.

ORCID

Juan Francisco Araya http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4087-9641