Home / Environment / From Alleyways to Wild: Bermuda Land Snails Thrive Again
From Alleyways to Wild: Bermuda Land Snails Thrive Again
15 Feb
Summary
- Over 10,000 snails released into protected habitats.
- Native snails play a vital role as decomposers.
- Offshore island reintroductions show significant success.
The greater Bermuda land snail, once on the verge of extinction, is now making a remarkable comeback in its native archipelago. A decade ago, the last known population was discovered in an alleyway in Hamilton, surviving near a dripping air conditioner.
Conservationists have since bred more than 10,000 snails in captivity and released them into protected wooded areas over the past seven years. This joint effort by Chester Zoo, Biolinx Environmental Research, and the Bermuda government has proven successful, with confirmed breeding and increasing numbers.
While the snails play a crucial role as decomposers, returning nutrients to the soil, they still face threats from habitat loss and invasive predators. Reintroduction efforts have shown particular success on offshore islands, where snails have bred, expanded their territory, and integrated into local ecosystems, notably on Nonsuch Island.
Despite these successes, constant vigilance is required to protect the snail populations from the very factors that drove them to endangerment. Awareness campaigns and predator control are ongoing measures to ensure their continued survival and integration into Bermuda's unique environment.
