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Tiny Fuzz Snail Rescued from Extinction
18 Oct
Summary
- Critically endangered hairy snails live only on Norfolk Island.
- Population plummeted from 68 to four individuals recently.
- Rescue mission launched to save snails via captive breeding.
A critical mission is underway to save the Norfolk Island hairy snail, a unique species found only on a small patch of rainforest on Norfolk Island in the Pacific Ocean. This critically endangered gastropod, distinguished by its small size and delicate yellow fuzz, has experienced a severe population decline.
Timed surveys revealed a sharp drop in live specimens, from 68 individuals in August last year to just four by May of this year. This alarming trend, coupled with an increase in empty shells, signaled a crisis.
In response, a specialized team, including malacologists and zoo professionals, has initiated a rescue effort. They have collected live hairy snails for a captive breeding program at Taronga Zoo.
To ensure success, the team is also using small sculptured glass-snails, a related species, as surrogates. This allows them to test and refine habitat, humidity, and diet requirements with lower stakes before applying them to the target species.
Initial results from the breeding program are promising, with all collected snails adapting well and already producing live young. This endeavor offers a vital chance to prevent the extinction of this rare and ecologically important creature.
