A decade ago, the only remaining population of greater Bermuda land snails was found in an alleyway in Hamilton, the capital city. They had settled on concrete slabs near a dripping air conditioner. Today, these native creatures seem to be flourishing once more in the wild. This success is attributed to conservationists who bred them in captivity and released over 10,000 snails into protected wooded areas in the archipelago over the past seven years.
Katie Kelton, an invertebrate keeper at Chester Zoo in the UK, expressed delight at the progress, mentioning confirmed breeding and increasing numbers as indicators of the project’s success. The collaborative effort involving Chester Zoo, Canada’s Biolinx Environmental Research, and the Bermudian government has been instrumental in rescuing the species from the brink of extinction. A forthcoming publication in Oryx, The International Journal of Conservation, will detail the program’s accomplishments.
Despite these achievements, challenges persist for the snails due to habitat loss and invasive predators, which were the primary threats that nearly led to their extinction. Greater Bermuda land snails, scientifically known as P. bermudensis, are small in size but play a significant role in Bermuda’s ecosystem. They act as decomposers, aiding in nutrient recycling, and provide a source of calcium for native birds and reptiles.
Recognized as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the snails had faced threats from human activities and the introduction of invasive species. Their successful reintroduction was celebrated by the IUCN during Reverse The Red Day, which acknowledges efforts to combat biodiversity loss.
Katie Kelton emphasized the challenges faced during the snails’ captive breeding, highlighting the team’s dedication and passion for conservation. While the snails have been successfully reintroduced into protected woodland sites, long-term survival remains uncertain due to potential predator threats.
Timothy Pearce, a mollusk curator, emphasized the importance of research for developing protocols in captive breeding programs. While the snails have thrived in certain reintroduction sites, challenges remain in ensuring their ongoing protection. Efforts to control invasive predators and educate the public about protecting the snails’ habitats are crucial for their sustained survival.
Kelton expressed her pride in contributing to the preservation of these beloved snails, emphasizing the importance of giving this species a fighting chance.