A decade ago, the last surviving population of greater Bermuda land snails was found in a Hamilton alleyway, where they had settled on concrete slabs near a dripping air conditioner. Today, these native creatures seem to be thriving in the wild once more, thanks to the efforts of conservationists who bred them in captivity and released over 10,000 snails into protected wooded areas in the archipelago over the past seven years.
Katie Kelton, an invertebrate keeper at Chester Zoo in the U.K., expressed delight at the snails’ progress, noting confirmed breeding and increasing numbers, marking the project as successful. The collaboration between Chester Zoo, Biolinx Environmental Research based in Canada, and the Bermuda government has been instrumental in saving the species from extinction.
Despite the achievements, the snails still confront threats from habitat loss and invasive predators, challenges that almost wiped them out entirely. The tiny snails, scientifically known as P. bermudensis, are integral to Bermuda’s ecosystems, acting as decomposers and providing calcium through their shells for natural predators.
While celebrating the successful re-introduction of these critically endangered snails during Reverse The Red Day, conservationists emphasize the ongoing need for vigilance to protect them in the long term. The re-introduction efforts have seen success on several protected woodland sites, with the snails breeding and expanding their presence, particularly thriving on Nonsuch Island.
Katie Kelton expressed her dedication to the cause, highlighting the importance of giving these often-overlooked creatures a fighting chance. The tireless work of the conservation team and the collaboration between various organizations have been crucial in rescuing these “really cute and pretty” snails, ensuring their survival and contribution to Bermuda’s unique ecosystem.