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Tiny German Snail: London's Endangered River Treasure
24 Nov
Summary
- Volunteers and experts are searching for the endangered German hairy snail.
- This tiny mollusc has historically inhabited fragmented patches along the Thames.
- Surveys aim to inform habitat restoration and species protection strategies.
London is undertaking its first comprehensive search for the endangered German hairy snail, a tiny, fingernail-sized mollusc. Expert conchologists and over 100 citizen scientists are teaming up to locate this rare species, which clings to debris along the tidal Thames and its tributaries. The snail, characterized by fine hairs on its shell aiding moisture retention, has a historical presence in the region dating back to Neolithic times.
This coordinated effort, led by Citizen Zoo and the Zoological Society of London, aims to gather crucial data on the snail's current population and habitat. Findings from surveys conducted near Kew, Isleworth Ait, and Cody Dock will guide vital conservation actions. These include potential habitat restoration, pollution management, and the translocation of snails to boost the species' numbers.
The German hairy snail is a priority species in London's biodiversity action plan and is considered endangered in other European nations. Conservationists hope that by safeguarding this unique mollusc, they will also help protect the broader green spaces along the Thames, benefiting both wildlife and London residents for generations to come.
