Over 1,300 Endangered Snails Released into Wild, Marking Major Conservation Success

Over 1,300 critically endangered snails bred in zoos have been released into the wild on a remote Atlantic island, marking a significant conservation milestone. These snails, two species once thought to be extinct, have not been seen in the wild for more than a century. Their return to the wild follows a surprising discovery in the cliffs of Deserta Grande, a part of the Desertas Islands near Madeira, where a small population was found surviving against the odds.

The rescue of these snails began when conservationists realized that the species was not extinct, as previously assumed. Between 2012 and 2017, expeditions to the island uncovered about 200 surviving individuals. These snails were brought into captivity, with some being sent to zoos in the UK and France. At Chester Zoo, a special effort was made to recreate their native habitat, ensuring the snails could thrive and breed in controlled environments. The zoo’s efforts culminated in the breeding of 1,329 new snails.

To ensure successful reintroduction into the wild, the newly bred snails were marked with identification dots, allowing researchers to track their progress. The dots, applied using non-toxic ink, are visible under ultraviolet light, which will help conservationists monitor the snails’ growth and survival rates. These marked snails were then transported back to Bugio Island, a protected area in the Ilhas Desertas archipelago, where invasive species have been eradicated, providing a safe environment for their release.

The reintroduction of these snails is seen as a critical step in the broader recovery of the species. Conservationists hope that the successful establishment of these snails on Bugio Island will lead to the release of even more snails in the future. The work done by Chester Zoo and other conservationists is part of a larger effort to restore populations of critically endangered species, proving that recovery is possible with the right interventions.

These snails are essential for the health of their native ecosystems. As Heather Prince from Chester Zoo explains, they play a key role in nutrient cycling, breaking down organic matter and supporting plant growth. In this way, the snails help maintain the delicate balance of the ecosystem. The successful breeding and release of these snails offer hope for their future and show the value of conservation efforts in preserving the often-overlooked species that sustain our natural world.