Thanks to Chester Zoo Over 1300 Tiny Snails Rescued from Extinction Reintroduced to Remote Island
Over 1,300 endangered Desertas Island land snails have been given a second chance at survival. These unique creatures have been reintroduced to Bugio, a secluded and uninhabited island near Madeira. This triumph in conservation is the result of years of collaborative efforts led by the Instituto das Florestas e Conservação da Natureza (IFCN) and Chester Zoo, a globally recognized leader in wildlife preservation.
The Rediscovery of a “Lost” Species
For more than 100 years, the Desertas Island land snails were presumed extinct. Their disappearance was attributed to invasive predators and habitat destruction on Deserta Grande, part of the Madeira archipelago. However, between 2012 and 2017, conservationists rediscovered tiny populations of two distinct snail species, each with fewer than 200 individuals.
This discovery sparked a race against time to save the species. “It was a moment of both excitement and urgency,” said Dinarte Teixeira, a conservation biologist at IFCN. The team understood that without immediate intervention, these snails were destined for extinction.
From the Brink of Extinction
The snails were transported to zoos in the UK and France, including Chester Zoo. At Chester Zoo, experts designed specialized habitat tanks to simulate the snails’ natural environment. Dr. Gerardo Garcia, head of ectotherms at the zoo, reflected on the challenge: “These snails had never been cared for in captivity before. It was like starting from scratch, figuring out their dietary needs, ideal conditions, and breeding behavior.”
The efforts paid off. Within months, the zoo cracked the code to breeding the snails successfully. This breakthrough enabled the creation of multiple generations, ensuring the numbers required for reintroduction. Heather Prince, an invertebrate specialist at Chester Zoo, emphasized the importance of teamwork: “Collaborating with other zoos and conservationists worldwide was essential in building a sustainable population.”
A Safe Haven on Bugio Island
Bugio, a neighboring island within the Madeira archipelago, was selected as the snails’ new home. Off-limits to humans since 1990, Bugio has a carefully managed ecosystem free from invasive species like rats, mice, and goats, making it an ideal refuge.
The reintroduction process was meticulous. Each snail was individually marked for monitoring, ensuring scientists could track their adaptation to the wild. This monitoring is critical for assessing the long-term success of the reintroduction and gathering data to guide future conservation efforts.
The Role of Chester Zoo in Global Conservation
Chester Zoo’s involvement in this project highlights its commitment to biodiversity conservation. The zoo is renowned for its innovative approaches to protecting endangered species. Dr. Garcia praised his team of zookeepers for their dedication: “They spent countless hours ensuring every snail was cared for meticulously. It was a monumental task, but the outcome has been worth every effort.”
The collaboration between Chester Zoo and IFCN underscores the power of global partnerships in conservation. By combining resources, expertise, and passion, they have not only saved a species from extinction but also set an example for future efforts.
A Broader Lesson in Conservation
The success of the Desertas Island land snail reintroduction offers valuable lessons for preserving biodiversity. It serves as a reminder that even the smallest creatures play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance. Teixeira highlighted the importance of this achievement: “These snails are unique to the Desertas Islands. Their survival reflects our commitment to protecting the planet’s biodiversity.”
This project also underscores the need for proactive conservation strategies. By addressing threats like habitat destruction and invasive species early, it’s possible to prevent many species from reaching critical levels of endangerment.
Hope for the Future
The reintroduction of the Desertas Island land snails is not just a victory for conservationists but also a beacon of hope for the future. It demonstrates what can be achieved when individuals, organizations, and governments unite for a common cause.
At PetnarianPets, we celebrate the incredible efforts of Chester Zoo, IFCN, and all the unsung heroes working tirelessly to protect our planet’s diverse wildlife. These tiny snails may seem insignificant, but their story is a powerful reminder that every species matters in the grand tapestry of life.
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