Carter now under fire for decision on giant snail

The Green Party says if the snails do not survive in their new location, 'it will be too late, the species will be gone'. Picture / DoC

The Government has been criticised for putting a multimillion-dollar coal mining operation ahead of the preservation of an endangered species.

Conservation Minister Chris Carter, already under fire for vetoing a proposed $10 million marina at Whangamata, has given permission for state-owned mining company Solid Energy to shift rare giant snails in order to access about $400 million worth of high-quality coal on the West Coast.

Critics say the move could end up driving the powelliphanta augustus species into extinction.

"I am appalled that the Government has allowed its own state-owned enterprise virtual carte blanche to exterminate a beautiful New Zealand giant snail just to meet coal contracts," said Green Party conservation spokeswoman Metiria Turei.

Mr Carter, who, with Associate Energy Minister Harry Duynhoven, approved permits to move the snails, said it was an exceptionally difficult decision to make.

"At the heart of this decision are two questions: Should a population of very rare and apparently very localised snails be moved out of most of their known habitat? And if not, is the risk of moving the snails sufficiently high to halt Solid Energy's mining plans on the Mt Augustus ridgeline?

"A great deal of advice has been considered on these matters. It is fair to say the scientific information on powelliphanta augustus is heavily contested.

"There are a large number of unknowns, risks and scientific arguments around key aspects of the species, and what will happen if they are moved."

In granting the permits, the Government will require Solid Energy to relocate 250 of the snails by hand, set up a captive programme, establish a new habitat for them, and protect the snails from predators.

The Department of Conservation recommended the snails not be moved.

"We respect this advice," Mr Carter said. "However, as ministers we have a legal responsibility to consider more than just the welfare of the snails."

Solid Energy said the "excellent news" opened the way for it to work towards meeting coal orders.

"At the same time we can secure the best possible outcome for the threatened snail population by moving them to an area of suitable habitat, subject to stringent predator control, as we recognise that much of their existing habitat has been lost and mining has largely isolated what is left," said chief executive Don Elder.

Mrs Turei said officials were not even prepared to wait and see if the snails could survive being moved.

"As far as I am aware there has never been a successful captive breeding programme for these snails, and if the snails don't survive in the new area chosen for them, it will be too late, the species will be gone."