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Rodrigues (2022)

We had visited this remote island in the Indian Ocean in 2002 for the first time. While Mauritius has turned an ecological nightmare, Rodrigues, situated 650 km to the east, has retained its beauty. Even the endemic Tropidophora snails, long extinct in Mauritius, have survived to this day. We examined the beaches and snorkled in the lagoon. Among the discoveries we made there is a considerable range extension for Bistolida piae, hitherto known from St Brandon, and Cribrarula cribellum. How did this species get here? No clue. Molecular analysis might help answer this question. This method has revealed also the validity of the endamic Haliotis rodriguezensis. In the beachgrit, we discovered three new species of Marginellidae.

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A rubble beach in in the west. here we discovered three of the new species of Marginellidae.
A rubble beach in in the west. here we discovered three of the new species of Marginellidae.
The view over the island
The view over the island
The large, unexplored lagoon in the south.
The large, unexplored lagoon in the south.
A dump of Pleuroploca trapezium, locally known as konokono is guaranteed to make the man strong.
A dump of Pleuroploca trapezium, locally known as konokono is guaranteed to make the man strong.
Hovorbis rodriguezensis. An extremely rare freshwater snail, found in a dried riverbed. It measures 4 mm.
Hovorbis rodriguezensis. An extremely rare freshwater snail, found in a dried riverbed. It measures 4 mm.
The endemic Haliotis rodriguezensis is not rare in turbid waters
The endemic Haliotis rodriguezensis is not rare in turbid waters
Bistolida piae, thought to be endemic to St Brandon. There were rumors it could be on Rodrigues, based on very eroded shells. this is the first confirmed record.
Bistolida piae, thought to be endemic to St Brandon. There were rumors it could be on Rodrigues, based on very eroded shells. this is the first confirmed record.
Putularia globulus brevirostris. A local form differing from those from Mauritius.
Putularia globulus brevirostris. A local form differing from those from Mauritius.
Staphylaea limacina interstincta has a mantle with spectacular papillae.
Staphylaea limacina interstincta has a mantle with spectacular papillae.
Cribrarula cribellum, a newly discovered population, very remote from Mauritius and La Reunion where that species was believe to be endemic.
Cribrarula cribellum, a newly discovered population, very remote from Mauritius and La Reunion where that species was believe to be endemic.
Gibberula hoffmanni Cossignani & Lorenz 2022
Gibberula hoffmanni Cossignani & Lorenz 2022
Serrata agamennonis Cossignani & Lorenz 2022
Serrata agamennonis Cossignani & Lorenz 2022
Gibberula lecourtorum Cossignani & Lorenz 2022
Gibberula lecourtorum Cossignani & Lorenz 2022