In a remarkable conservation success story, the greater Bermuda snail (Poecilozonites bermudensis), once thought to be extinct, is now flourishing thanks to dedicated efforts by wildlife experts. After breeding and releasing over 100,000 snails over the past decade, conservationists have successfully restored this tiny mollusc to its native habitat in Bermuda.
Rediscovery of a Lost Species
The greater Bermuda snail, a button-sized creature native to the North Atlantic archipelago, was feared to have disappeared entirely until a small population was discovered in a damp alleyway in Hamilton in 2014. This finding revived hope for the species, which had been severely impacted by climate change, habitat destruction, and the introduction of invasive predators such as wolf snails and carnivorous flatworms.
Tamás Papp, assistant team manager for invertebrates at Chester Zoo, expressed his elation at the success of the conservation initiative: “It’s every conservationist’s dream to help save a whole species – and that’s exactly what we’ve done.”
Breeding Success at Chester Zoo
At Chester Zoo, conservationists undertook intensive efforts to breed the snails, utilising specially designed pods that created optimal conditions for their reproduction. Since 2019, these captive-bred snails have been systematically returned to protected wooded areas across Bermuda. Biosecurity measures were implemented to shield the species from the invasive threats that had previously decimated their numbers.
A recent population assessment, set to be published in the journal Oryx, confirms that the snails are now thriving in six distinct areas of Bermuda. The restoration of this species has been celebrated as a significant achievement during IUCN’s “Reverse the Red Day,” highlighting global efforts to combat biodiversity loss.
Ecological Importance of the Greater Bermuda Snail
Dr Mark Outerbridge, an ecologist for the Bermuda government, reflected on the program’s success, noting, “It is remarkable to think we only began with less than 200 snails and have now released over 100,000.” The positive impact of this reintroduction extends beyond the snails themselves; their existence plays a crucial role in the ecosystem.
Dr Kristiina Ovaska from Biolinx Environmental Research, a Canadian partner in the project, emphasised the ecological value of the snails. “They function both as prey for larger animals and as consumers of live and decaying vegetation, so they are vital for turning over nutrients within their habitat,” she explained.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Bermuda’s Snails
Encouraged by the success of the greater Bermuda snail, the Chester Zoo team is now shifting its focus to the lesser Bermuda land snail (Poecilozonites circumfirmatus), another species in need of conservation. The ongoing efforts to protect Bermuda’s unique biodiversity are vital, as these small creatures play an essential role in their ecosystems.
Why it Matters
The resurgence of the greater Bermuda snail is not merely a testament to successful conservation techniques but serves as an inspiring reminder of the resilience of nature when given a chance. This achievement underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in wildlife conservation and highlights the critical need to protect vulnerable species and their habitats. As we face unprecedented global biodiversity challenges, the story of Bermuda’s snails serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating that concerted action can yield positive results in the fight against extinction.
