Habitat and Geography
Allogona
lombardii is found only in isolated colonies “along the lower
Lochsa River, the Salmon River, the Selway River, and the Selway
tributary” (Lower Salmon River areas) in Idaho. This area is
known to be richly calcareous, likely contributing to the
specific population range
(Frest, 1997).
Their habitat could be described as consisting of moist and shaded coniferous forests located along medium to large streams at in middle/lower elevations. Being calciphilous, populations are also restricted to areas with a limestone substrate (Frest, 1997).In regard to their surrounding environment, this specific habitat often confines A. lombardii populations to the edges of flood plains and has contributed to its rarity (Frest, 1997).
A. lombardii’s preferred habitat brings it into close contact with many other terrestrial snail species in the
Lower Salmon River area. These species include “Allogona ptychophora ptychophora, Polygyrella polygyrella, Hemphillia camelus, Zacoleus idahoensis, Anguisp;ra koch; occidentalis. Anguispira nimapuna, and several Cryptomastix species” (Frest, 1997).Most snails in the Lower Salmon River area consume decaying vegetation, dead leaves, and animal fecal, which gives them an important role in nutrient recycling in the forest. The most common cause of snail death seems to be desiccation, however they are also often preyed upon by small mammals, amphibians, and some birds (Frest, 1997). A. lombardii is a rather rare terrestrial snail compared to other indigenous snails in this area. Limestone mining, logging, grazing, and road work has removed a large chunk of A. lombardii’s natural habitat. The species is considered rare and is officially classified as critically endangered
.