Once on the brink of extinction, the Bermuda snail is now thriving, thanks to a decade-long conservation effort. This tiny, button-sized snail, native to Bermuda, was once thought to have vanished from the North Atlantic archipelago. But a glimmer of hope emerged in 2014 when a small population was discovered in a damp, overgrown alleyway in Hamilton, the island's capital. Conservation scientists, the Government of Bermuda, and Chester Zoo joined forces to save this species from the brink of extinction.
The greater Bermuda snail (Poecilozonites bermudensis) had been severely impacted by global heating and habitat loss. However, the introduction of predatory 'wolf snails' and carnivorous flatworms further accelerated its decline, as these invasive species preyed on the smaller native snails. To combat this, conservationists at Chester Zoo adapted snail husbandry methods, creating optimal conditions for the P. bermudensis to thrive. They kept the snails in specially designed pods, ensuring their survival and reproduction.
Since 2019, thousands of these captive-bred snails have been released back into the wild, specifically into protected wooded habitats on the islands. These habitats are shielded from invasive predators, ensuring the snails' safety. The results of this effort are remarkable. According to a population assessment, the snails have now successfully established themselves in six areas, marking a significant step towards biodiversity restoration. This achievement is celebrated as a 'reverse the red day' moment, highlighting the global commitment to reversing biodiversity loss.
Dr. Mark Outerbridge, an ecologist involved in the reintroduction program, expressed his satisfaction, stating, 'It's been incredibly rewarding to witness these snails return to Bermuda's ecosystem. It's astonishing to think that we started with fewer than 200 snails and have now released over 100,000.' Dr. Kristiina Ovaska, from Biolinx Environmental Research, emphasized the importance of this restoration, noting that the snails play a crucial role in nutrient cycling within their habitat. The success of this conservation story has inspired further efforts, with Chester Zoo now focusing on breeding another rare Bermuda snail species, the lesser Bermuda land snail (Poecilozonites circumfirmatus). This ongoing work highlights the power of collaboration and the potential for species recovery through dedicated conservation efforts.
