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Tiny Snail, Grand Mission: Saving UK's Rarest Mollusc
12 Sep
Summary
- A rare snail, once widespread, now clings to survival in one UK lake.
- Conservationists are breeding the tiny snail in zoos to prevent extinction.
- Pollution and habitat loss drove the snail to the brink of disappearance.
The glutinous snail, a mollusc no bigger than a fingertip, is facing extinction in the UK, with its last known refuge being Llyn Tegid in Eryri National Park, Wales. Once widespread, pollution and habitat loss have driven the species to the brink. Conservationist Ian Hughes has taken on the "life-defining" mission to protect these snails, successfully breeding them in captivity after discovering their eggs for the first time.
To safeguard the species, British zoos, including Wingham Wildlife Park, Askham Bryan Wildlife Park, Longleat, Dudley, and Chester zoos, are establishing 'ark populations'. This collaborative effort, supported by the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA), is a step towards potential reintroduction into the wild within three years. Freshwater Habitats Trust is identifying suitable new water bodies for future releases, funded by a UK government scheme. The Hughes family's dedication extends to rearing other critically endangered invertebrates. They emphasize the importance of every species within an ecosystem. Climate change presents an increased threat, making the zoos' involvement crucial for the snail's survival. This conservation project is seen as vital, preserving a unique part of the UK's natural heritage for future generations.
