The conservation status of terrestrial molluscs on the Caribbean Netherlands: a baseline assessment for Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius

The terrestrial mollusc fauna of the Caribbean Netherlands, comprising the islands of Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius (collectively known as the BES islands), represents a distinctive and vulnerable component of regional biodiversity. Characterized by high rates of island endemics and species with a restricted distribution, this fauna is increasingly threatened by habitat loss and degradation, due to the growing population and urbanization, overgrazing by goats and the effects of hurricanes (that might occur more frequently due to climate change). Another serious risk is predation and competition for food and space by exotic species (in particular the recently introduced New Guinea flatworm) and limited policy measures to prevent the import of new exotic species. An overview is given on the current state of knowledge concerning the distribution, taxonomy, abundance, ecological preferences, and conservation threats facing terrestrial molluscs on the BES islands. Our findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive monitoring, improved taxonomic resolution, and effective management strategies to mitigate current and emerging threats.