New Oncomelania hupensis Foci on Taiwan

Six new areas for Oncomelania hupensis were found on Taiwan: three in Nan-tou, and 1 each in Chia-i, Hua-lien and Tai-tung counties. Most of the new habitats, unlike previously known areas, are not in alluvial plains, but are at higher elevations. The Nan-shan-chi colony in Nan-tou county is located at the altitude of 740 m, which is the highest of all known Oncomelania localities on the island. Oncomelania has now been found in 9 out of 15 counties on Taiwan. Shell features of the newly-discovered snails resemble those of Oncomelania hupensis formosana but further study will be required for final subspecies designation. Nearly 60,000 oncomelanids from both old and new localities were examined for schistosome infection with negative results.