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Snail Rises From Extinction: A Norfolk Island Miracle
7 Oct
Summary
- Extinct snail rediscovered on Norfolk Island after decades.
- Over 1300 snails bred in captivity and reintroduced.
- Baby snails found, proving reintroduction success.
The Campbell's keeled glass-snail, once believed extinct, has been successfully reintroduced to Norfolk Island. This species, listed as extinct in 1996, was rediscovered in 2020, prompting extensive conservation efforts. A captive-breeding program at Taronga Zoo Sydney grew the population from 46 founder snails to over 1,300.
These snails were released back onto Norfolk Island in multiple stages, beginning in 2025. The project marked Australia's first large-scale snail reintroduction. The presence of baby snails at the release sites in the years following has confirmed the success of the program.
The final release of 1,000 snails occurred in July 2026, bringing the total reintroduced to over 1,300. This initiative represents a significant reversal for a species on the brink of permanent disappearance, offering it a renewed chance at survival in its native habitat.
