Biologists have identified a new species of paua mollusk, commonly referred to as abalone, near New Zealand.
The discovery of a new pāua species underscores the significance of biodiversity research in Aotearoa.
This species, named Haliotis pirimoana, was detailed in a study led by the University of Otago — Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka, alongside the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. It has only been located at the Manawatāwhi Three Kings Islands, situated off the northern coast of the North Island.
Kerry Walton, the lead author and an invertebrate curator at Te Papa working on his PhD in the Department of Zoology, mentions that this is one of several species endemic to Manawatāwhi.
“We are confronted with a biodiversity crisis, where species globally are disappearing at a faster rate than we can identify and document them,” he states.
“Although the Manawatāwhi pāua is not currently under immediate threat, it serves as a reminder of the uniqueness and value of that part of Aotearoa.”
Haliotis pirimoana bears resemblance to other smaller pāua from the North Island, yet its shell features a finer texture and a subtly different shape.
Published in the internationally recognized journal Molluscan Research, the focus of the study was to assess the number of small pāua species present in the country.
To accomplish this, the research team—comprising Associate Professor Nic Rawlence and Professor Hamish Spencer from the Otago Department of Zoology, along with Dr. Bruce Marshall from Te Papa—utilized innovative “ancient DNA” techniques on shells housed in the collections at Te Papa and NIWA.
“These modern methods enable us to extract and sequence small and damaged DNA fragments more efficiently than before, revealing the genetic mysteries hidden within these valuable specimens,” says Associate Professor Rawlence.
“As a result, discussions about the relationships between various forms and populations of small pāua in Aotearoa can now be conducted with greater assurance,” he adds.
Professor Spencer emphasizes that understanding biodiversity is essential, and effective management of resources and conservation depends on a strong foundational knowledge of it.
“We need to understand which species are confined to certain regions and how they may react to environmental changes. This information helps decision-makers identify weaknesses and manage resources wisely,” he explains.
Walton points out that while most species may not lead to significant commercial breakthroughs, like major pharmaceuticals, people rely on biodiversity for new materials and medicine.
“Research in these fields is fundamentally based on biodiversity studies, and it’s our duty to safeguard biodiversity for future generations.”
Even though there is a reasonable understanding of biodiversity in Aotearoa, new species continue to be discovered, with over a third of our known marine mollusc species still unnamed.
“As pāua are a cultural symbol, we hope this research will spark interest and encourage individuals to pay closer attention during their visits to the coast,” he adds.
