This is a newly discovered (2006) species, described as Samoana meyeri the following year (Burch 2007). The species was placed in genus Partula in 2016 (Gerlach 2016).

Partula meyeri is a tree snail species endemic to Raiatea in the Society Islands (French Polynesia). The total number of recorded specimens of this species is three individuals. Its known range is one small gully (950 m elevation) just below the summit of Mount Tefautua, within an area of 1 km² (area of occupancy is therefore 4 km²). The species is experiencing a decline in the quality of its habitat due to the presence of the invasive predatory species Rosy Wolfsnail (Euglandina rosea). Further surveys to determine whether the species is still extant, therefore it is assessed as Critically Endangered (Possibly Extinct).

This species is known only from Mount Tefatua (also called Mount Toomaru), the highest peak on the island of Raiatea in the Society Islands, French Polynesia. It was recorded from a wet gully at 950 m elevation, just below the summit, by Jean-Yves Meyer in February 2006.

A total of three specimens were observed in February 2006 by Jean-Yves Meyer in a 950 m altitude gully on Mt Tefatua. There are numerous other small gullies at that altitude on the mountain but they remained unsurveyed due to the difficulty of accessing them safely.

The three snails were observed aestivating on the leaves of montane vegetation; the typical daytime behaviour and habitat of Society Island partulids.

The primary threat to this species is posed by the introduced predatory Rosy Wolfsnail (Euglandina rosea). This predator has extirpated all other endemic Raiatean Partula species since its introduction in 1986. In 2006, Jean-Yves Meyer recorded live E. rosea on Mt. Tefatua up to circa 500 m asl. and Lee et al. (2008) speculated that this species may persist, at present, in an altitudinal refuge from the predator. It is not clear how robust that hypothetical refuge might be as Euglandina did invade the site in the past, causing the extinction of all the other partulid species. In addition, the predatory New Guinea Flatworm (Platydemus manokwari) is spreading across the island and it is not known whether or not this has or will invade the range of P. meyeri. This inaccessible location is not under immediate anthropogenic threat.

There is no known use or trade. The species is practically inaccessible, as is its habitat.

The Mt. Tefatua summit area is officially deemed to be an area of high ecological interest but, due to its relative inaccessibility, it is not considered to be under immediate anthropogenic threat and it has not been included in the 15 sites recommended for the highest level of conservation priority in French Polynesia.

Field work to define the current distribution of this species, as well as research on its population status and trends, is required. Identification of priority sites for species conservation (e.g., key biodiversity areas that include threatened land snails) is also urgently needed.