Saving Desertas Island Land Snails: A Conservation Milestone by Chester Zoo
In a groundbreaking conservation effort, more than 1,300 critically endangered Desertas Island land snails, bred at Chester Zoo, have been reintroduced to their natural habitat on a remote Atlantic island. Once believed extinct, these tiny molluscs are making a slow yet impactful return to the wild, marking a significant milestone in their species recovery.
Rediscovering a Lost Species
Native to Deserta Grande, a mountainous and windswept island in the Ilhas Desertas archipelago southeast of Madeira, these snails were thought to have been wiped out by invasive predators such as rats, mice, and goats introduced by humans. For nearly a century, the species was presumed extinct, until a series of conservation expeditions between 2012 and 2017 revealed a small surviving population of just 200 individuals clinging to life on the rocky cliffs of the island.
Rescue and Captive Breeding
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, conservationists transported the remaining snails to zoos in the UK and France, including Chester Zoo. Here, the conservation science team painstakingly recreated their natural habitat in specially designed tanks. This involved providing the right food, vegetation, and conditions to support the survival and reproduction of these fragile creatures.
From the original 60 snails housed at Chester Zoo, a staggering 1,329 offspring were successfully bred. Each snail was meticulously marked with color-coded identification dots using non-toxic pens and nail varnish. These dots, visible under ultraviolet light, allow conservationists to monitor the snails' growth, survival rates, and adaptation in their new environment.
A New Home on Bugio Island
The snails have been released onto Bugio, a smaller island in the Ilhas Desertas archipelago that has been restored as a nature reserve. Invasive species have been eradicated from Bugio, creating a safe haven for the reintroduction of the snails.
"This is a major step in a species recovery plan," said Gerardo Garcia, a key conservationist from Chester Zoo. "If all goes well, more snails will follow next spring. This project demonstrates that even highly threatened species can recover with collective effort and commitment."
The Role of Snails in Ecosystem Health
While snails are often overlooked, they play a crucial role in their ecosystems. According to Heather Prince from Chester Zoo, "These snails are an essential part of their natural habitat. They break down organic matter, enrich the soil with nutrients, and help plants grow. They are also a vital food source for other native species."
By reintroducing these snails, conservationists are not only saving a species but also restoring the ecological balance of the Desertas Islands.
The Path Forward
The team behind this initiative is hopeful about the snails' adaptation to their new home. The reintroduction is a collaborative effort involving Chester Zoo, Madeira's Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests, and other international conservation bodies.
As this project progresses, it offers a glimmer of hope for biodiversity preservation. It underscores the importance of conserving even the smallest and often overlooked species, which play an integral role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
This successful reintroduction is not just about saving snails—it’s about ensuring the survival of an intricate web of life on the Desertas Islands. Conservationists are optimistic that the little molluscs will thrive, and their efforts will inspire similar projects worldwide.