Priotrochatella constellata.

Cuba has a rich terrestrial malacofauna with > 1300 species, of which about 95% are endemic. Isla de la Juventud (IJ) is the biggest island of the Canarreos Archipelago. It is considered one of the most important habitats of endemism because 30% of land snails are local endemics with e.g. the exclusive genus Priotrochatella. The localities Sierra de las Casas and Sierra de Caballos are protected areas, having the highest percentage of endemic terrestrial snails in IJ. In 2008 hurricanes ''Gustav'' and ''Ike'' (both of 4th category in saffir-simpson scale) hit IJ. This could have affected the terrestrial snail populations in IJ, their geographic distribution and/or the conservation status of their habitats, unfortunately, this information is lacking. The conservation status and geographic distribution of these malacofaunas are poorly documented, especially after hurricane ''Ike'' in 2008.

The current project aims at assessing the actual conservation status and geographic distribution of the terrestrial malacofauna in both areas. Results will be made available through scientific publications, a conservation report, an illustrated guide, training of park personnel, public environmental education, and congress contributions. This will be based on an inventory of the terrestrial malacofauna of IJ. Next, the information on the natural history of the species will contribute to their conservation and will lead to a better management of their habitats. In addition, attention will be paid to the presence, spread and possible effects of invasive species that e.g. might have reached IJ through transport by Hurricane ''Ike''.

Priotrocahtella.

This project will provide useful information for the management of the protected areas ''Sierra de las Casas'' and ''Sierra de Caballos'' in IJ to the National System of Protected Areas in Cuba (SNAP) and the IUCN red list. I will give talks for the local communities, especially children (Students of elementary and high schools in Gerona City, La Fé City and Siguanea City). I will train the national park rangers on the identification and monitoring of endemic terrestrial molluscs. The land snail guide of the IJ will be available to the forest rangers and field guides. In addition, all the results of this research will be exposed to the scientific community in national and international congresses. The knowledge of the local people about the endemic terrestrial molluscs and how to protect them will increase. Moreover, we´ll mount temporary exhibits at the National Museum of Natural History of Cuba to show the molluscan diversity of IJ.