Conservation & Threats

There are not many literature sources on threats or conservation methods of Pyrazus ebeninus. It was noted by Kelaher (2007) that there were no recognized predators in mudflat environments on the organisms. He explained that the shell of P. ebeninus was too thick for most bird and crab foragers. (Kelaher et. al 2007) As found in this study, it was observed that the Morula marginalba was seen preying on the specimens of P. ebeninus through shell boring. As they are both found in the same area, it may be indicated that M. marginalba may be a natural predator on P. ebeninus. In studies conducted by Ivanovici (1980), P. ebeninus survives in a variety of salinities and temperatures in brackish estuarine mudflat environments. This indicates that the organisms are only threatened in extreme temperatures and salinity changes. It is found that this marine snail was used as a food source for aboriginal people in the early 20th century, but is no longer a problem to the P. ebeninus population as it is no longer sold in markets. The organisms are currently one of the most abundant large marine snails in Queensland and therefore, have exhibited no current concern for conservation purposes (QLD museum, 2013).