In a recent interview, invertebrate zookeeper Katie Kelton discussed the successful conservation efforts that saved the greater Bermuda land snails from near extinction. About ten years ago, the last surviving population of these snails was found in Hamilton’s alleyway, where they had adapted to living on concrete slabs near a dripping air conditioner. Today, thanks to the dedication of conservationists like Kelton, over 10,000 snails have been bred in captivity and released into Bermuda’s protected wooded areas, where they are now flourishing.
Kelton, a keeper at Chester Zoo in the U.K., expressed delight at the progress made in breeding and protecting these tiny creatures. The collaborative efforts of Chester Zoo, Biolinx Environmental Research in Canada, and the Bermuda government have been instrumental in this conservation project. A forthcoming study in Oryx, The International Journal of Conservation, will detail the success of the snail preservation program.
Despite their resilience, the snails still face threats such as habitat loss and invasive predators that had previously pushed them to the brink of extinction. The unique role these snails play in Bermuda’s ecosystem, from decomposing leaf litter to providing calcium for native birds and reptiles, underscores their importance.
Recognized as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the greater Bermuda land snails were on the verge of disappearing due to human activities and the introduction of invasive species. Last week, during Reverse The Red Day, the IUCN celebrated the successful reintroduction of these snails to their natural habitat.
The journey to save these snails was not without challenges, as Kelton and her team had to learn about the snails’ needs and preferences to ensure successful breeding. While the initial reintroduction efforts faced setbacks in some locations, the snails have thrived on offshore islands and are gradually re-establishing themselves in the wild.
Looking ahead, ongoing vigilance and conservation efforts will be crucial to safeguarding the re-introduced snail populations. By educating the public and implementing control measures for invasive predators, Bermuda aims to maintain a suitable environment for the snails to thrive.
Kelton expressed her pride in contributing to the preservation of these unique creatures, emphasizing the importance of giving every species a fighting chance in the face of extinction threats.
