In a recent interview with invertebrate zookeeper Katie Kelton, she shared the success story of the greater Bermuda land snails. A decade ago, the only surviving population was found in an alleyway in Hamilton. Today, thanks to the efforts of conservationists, over 10,000 snails have been reintroduced into protected habitats, leading to a thriving wild population.
Kelton, from Chester Zoo, expressed delight at the confirmed breeding and increasing numbers of the snails, marking the project as a success. This joint conservation effort involving Chester Zoo, Biolinx Environmental Research, and the Bermuda government will be detailed in an upcoming publication in Oryx, The International Journal of Conservation.
Despite this achievement, the snails still face threats from habitat loss and invasive species. These tiny snails, critical to Bermuda’s ecosystem, play a vital role in decomposition and nutrient recycling. Kelton described them as both functional and aesthetically pleasing, emphasizing their importance in the ecosystem.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the greater Bermuda land snail as critically endangered due to human interference and invasive predators. The successful re-introduction was celebrated during Reverse The Red Day, recognizing efforts to combat biodiversity loss.
Kelton highlighted the challenges faced during the captive breeding process but expressed passion for conservation and dedication to the project. While the snails have shown progress in the wild, their long-term survival remains uncertain and requires ongoing protection from predators.
Reintroduction efforts in various sites across the archipelago have seen mixed results, with successful breeding on offshore islands but challenges on the main island due to human presence and predators. Conservation measures, including birth control for invasive species, are crucial to safeguard the snails’ reintroduced colonies.
Kelton expressed gratitude for her involvement in saving the beloved snails, emphasizing the importance of giving this species a chance at survival.
