Has always been considered a distinct species but DNA analysis suggests that it may be a colour morph of Partula hyalina and as such remains a candidate for merging. Populations in one valley are genetically distinct.

Partula clara is a tree snail species endemic to Tahiti in the Society Islands. After the introduction of the carnivorous Rosy Wolfsnail (Euglandina rosea) to Tahiti in 1977, populations and species of native partulid snails began to disappear rapidly as a result of predation. This species became rarer, but very small isolated populations persisted and these were identified during the intensive surveys on the main island of Tahiti Nui 2003–2005.

This species is endemic to Tahiti, Society Islands. It is now restricted to only a few small populations in a few valleys around the island.

Small subpopulations are scattered around Tahiti, mostly consisting of fewer than 50 individuals.

Habitat quality is not an issue for this species. Many populations survive in disturbed habitat, often not too far from human habitation.

The principal threat to this species is the Rosy Wolfsnail (Euglandina rosea), but there is evidence that some populations have survived in spite of this introduced carnivorous species. The carnivorous New Guinea Flatworm (Platydemus manokwari) has been found in one area where P. clara persists, but its impact on the species is unclear at the moment. The intrinsic problems associated with small population size also threaten the future survival of this species.

Many partulids were used in necklace making but no trade has been recorded in this species.

This species was maintained in the international breeding programme, but is not kept currently. Some wild populations are regularly monitored.