Mollusks of New Caledonia comprise a remarkable snail type of the placostylus species, belonging to the giant terrestrial snails group. Distribution of Placostylus is very restricted since they are only found on the islands of the Melanesian Plateau : Fiji, Vanuatu, Salomon Islands, extreme North of New-Zealand, and New Caledonia (main Island, Isle of Pines and Loyalty Islands). Species found in NC are all endemic and are commonly called “Bulimes”

Dry Forest Placostylus are only found in coastal forests of the South and West of the main island (Grande Terre) and in the Isle of Pines. Placostylus are restricted to the leafy ground cover and are very vulnerable to degradation and destruction of habitat. Degradation of patches of dry forest by fire, deer and cattle have contributed (as well as other threats : wild boars, rodents and drought) to wipe out remaining populations. On many sites, a great number of empty shells can be found : evidence of their presence in the past. Recently, small healthy populations have been observed on some dry forest sites.

These invertebrates constitute a reliable forest health indicator. The slightest modification of their environment has a direct impact on population survival. They represent an evaluation tool in the assessment of restoration measures (reforestation, fencing).

Finally, dry forest “bulimes” are edible. They have been harvested for human consumption in the past and are still today to a lesser extent.