The only way the land snail fauna can be appreciated is by being able to recognize its species. If the land snail fauna of the park is to be included in active biodiversity studies, a manual to the land snails is needed. At present, there is no practical way for the Park Guides to identify the specimens they see. This makes land snail study a very discouraging situation. Such a guide would greatly increase an interest in and an awareness of the land snail fauna.
Land snails are a neglected faunal group.
Most local natural history manuals do not mention land snails. This guide is intended to fill this need and is designed for curious people with an interest in land snails but especially for the Ranomafana Naturalists. Preparing this guide has taken many hands. I've never met like Fischer-Piette, Pilsbry, etc., and some who have given freely and generously of their time and knowledge. I wish to thank Dr. Barry Roth who took time from his busy schedule to answer my questions when I first started looking at land snails and still does today.