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The abundance or rarity of molluscan species is not governed so much by indiscriminate collecting as by climatic conditions,
salinity, food supply, ratio of reproduction to survival and other ecological requirements. We can hardly be blamed for the
disappearance of the Therapsid reptiles gigantosaurus, brontosaurus or triceratops, or early mammals like the planetheterium
or taeniolabis. I am gratified to know that collectors cannot be held responsible for the disappearance from the evolutionary
cycle of the Mid-Tertiary sinistral species Conus adversarius Conrad. Species in our time appear to be either in ascension or
declination, and those species which are dwindling in numbers despite a struggle for survival, will ultimately die out even
without our assistance.
The discovery and acquisition of these shells by van Eck was in the latter months of 1964, and they are still in his
possession at date of writing.
Joyce Allen, in Cowry Shells of World Seas says -
"Like all rare shells, it is difficult to ascertain how many there really are in world collections. In the past, the same one
was sold again and again, so appeared periodically in different collections. It is assumed now that there are certainly less
than a dozen specimens known, the majority of which will be in Museum collections."
Before the discovery of the Conus gloriamaris in Rabaul, there were 25 known in world collections. During the following
twelve months, Rabaul and other adjacent areas extended the total to at least 38. Now that the accent is on rare Cypraea, it
is possible that the known C. guttata will be doubled in the next twelve months!!!
The collecting area to be discussed this month is basically a tourist area just a few minutes drive from Waikiki. But it is
also an area that has produced, and still does produce, some excellent shelling, both for the reef crawler and the skin and
SCUBA diver. The tremendously varied underwater geological formations provide for an equally varied assortment of shell life.
The shallow fringing reef that extends from Black Point to Kawaihoa Point on the tip of Koko Head affords an easily
accessible area for the collector who likes to use the look-box or mask, fins, and snorkel. This area is usually quiet, being
well inside the breakers (except in Kona weather) Trade winds are mostly blocked by Koko Head, further restricting the wave
action.
There are few tidal currents but a collector must be alert for the possibility of out-rushing water in the deep water between
reef sections called sand channels. Water washed up onto the reef by waves flows back into deep water through these channels
thus preventing the growth of coral. In a beach area a similar current might be referred to as a rip tide. They can be
hazardous in that they wash the swimmer out into deep water but need not be dangerous. Swim across the current until into the
water flowing toward shore. Swim with the shoreward-traveling water until back in a shelling area.
Another reef area is just inshore of Manana Island, known locally as Rabbit Island. The inshore side of this reef is quite
free of waves and strong currents. However, the seaward side is sometimes affected by rather strong and potentially hazardous
currents.
Waimanalo Bay is suitable for skin diving in light to moderate trade wind weather. It does become quite rough, and is
frequently murky, during strong trades. Shells are often found washed up on the sandy beach area just North of Makapuu Point.
This is also a favorite body surfing and swimming spot. There are restroom facilities and beach showers available here.
Most of the remaining area discussed in this month's map is more suitable for SCUBA diving, preferably from a boat. Some
hardy divers swim out from Haunama Bay and Blow Hole to collect from 30 to 60 feet of water. This can be dangerous because of
the strong currents that frequently flow along this shore, sometimes reaching a velocity of 3 knots.
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