In an exciting conservation milestone, over 1,300 pea-sized, critically endangered land snails have been released back into the wild on Bugio Island, a part of the Desertas Islands near Madeira. This release marks the return of two species that were presumed extinct for a century. The adventure began when conservationists discovered a small population of these snails surviving on the rocky cliffs of Deserta Grande Island. To help save them from extinction, more than 200 snails were brought into captivity, including to Chester Zoo.
At Chester Zoo, experts created a perfect miniature habitat to nurture 60 of these precious snails. After careful breeding, 1,329 offspring were marked with non-toxic, color-coded dots for tracking their growth and survival in the wild. The snails were then transported to the preserved Bugio Island, where invasive species had been eradicated, allowing them to thrive.
This successful project illustrates the importance of snails in their ecosystem, as they not only serve as food for other species but also contribute to soil health by breaking down organic matter. According to experts, if the initial releases go smoothly, even more snails could follow in the spring, offering hope for the recovery of these endangered species.
