**A successful conservation initiative sees the reintroduction of two land snail species to Bugio Island, enhancing biodiversity.**
**Rescue Efforts Revive Critically Endangered Snails on Remote Island**
**Rescue Efforts Revive Critically Endangered Snails on Remote Island**
**1,329 snails bred in captivity are released into their native habitat after being thought extinct.**
More than 1,300 tiny, critically endangered snails have been reintroduced to a remote Atlantic island, marking a significant step in conservation efforts aimed at reviving previously thought extinct species. Chester Zoo led this initiative, releasing specially marked snails into the newly restored habitat of Bugio Island, part of the Desertas Islands near Madeira.
These pea-sized molluscs belong to two species endemic to the Desertas Islands, which had not been spotted in the wild for over a century due to habitat destruction attributed to invasive species like rats and goats. The snails' plight was brought to light when a viable population of 200 was discovered on the dramatic cliffs of Deserta Grande Island during conservation expeditions held between 2012 and 2017.
Following their discovery, conservationists rescued and transported these last remaining individuals to zoos in both the UK and France, with Chester Zoo developing a specially designed environment to foster their survival. The zoo successfully bred 1,329 offspring snails, which were marked with non-toxic color-coded dots to facilitate monitoring after their release back into the wild.
These identification markers will allow researchers, including biologists like Dinarte Teixeira from Madeira's Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests, to track the snails’ dispersal, growth, survival rates, and adaptation to their environment. Bugio Island has seen the removal of invasive species, creating an ideal habitat for the snails to thrive.
Gerardo Garcia from Chester Zoo emphasized the importance of this reintroduction as part of a broader recovery plan for the species. He expressed optimism about the project's future, hinting that more snails could be released next spring if the initial release proves successful.
The restoration of these snails is significant beyond just their survival; they play a crucial role in their ecosystem by assisting in decomposing organic matter and nurturing soil health, thereby supporting plant growth. Conservationists at Chester Zoo, including Heather Prince, stress that seemingly overlooked creatures like these snails are vital to maintaining the ecological balance on their native islands.
These pea-sized molluscs belong to two species endemic to the Desertas Islands, which had not been spotted in the wild for over a century due to habitat destruction attributed to invasive species like rats and goats. The snails' plight was brought to light when a viable population of 200 was discovered on the dramatic cliffs of Deserta Grande Island during conservation expeditions held between 2012 and 2017.
Following their discovery, conservationists rescued and transported these last remaining individuals to zoos in both the UK and France, with Chester Zoo developing a specially designed environment to foster their survival. The zoo successfully bred 1,329 offspring snails, which were marked with non-toxic color-coded dots to facilitate monitoring after their release back into the wild.
These identification markers will allow researchers, including biologists like Dinarte Teixeira from Madeira's Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests, to track the snails’ dispersal, growth, survival rates, and adaptation to their environment. Bugio Island has seen the removal of invasive species, creating an ideal habitat for the snails to thrive.
Gerardo Garcia from Chester Zoo emphasized the importance of this reintroduction as part of a broader recovery plan for the species. He expressed optimism about the project's future, hinting that more snails could be released next spring if the initial release proves successful.
The restoration of these snails is significant beyond just their survival; they play a crucial role in their ecosystem by assisting in decomposing organic matter and nurturing soil health, thereby supporting plant growth. Conservationists at Chester Zoo, including Heather Prince, stress that seemingly overlooked creatures like these snails are vital to maintaining the ecological balance on their native islands.
