Rare Snails Reintroduced to Moroccan Island: Conservation Success Story
More than 1,300 critically endangered land snails have been released in the Ilhas Desertas (Desert Islands) archipelago off the Moroccan coast, marking a significant conservation milestone. The successful reintroduction of these tiny molluscs to their native habitat follows the remarkable rescue of two elusive species of snails from the brink of extinction.
The snails, which had not been sighted for over a century and were feared to have vanished, were saved thanks to a collaborative effort involving conservationists, biologists, and zoos from around the world. Led by Gerardo Garcia, curator of lower vertebrates and invertebrates at Chester Zoo in the United Kingdom, the team worked tirelessly to ensure the survival of these pea-sized molluscs.
Restoring a Lost Habitat
Native to the mountainous Deserta Grande island, southeast of Madeira, these snails faced imminent extinction due to the destruction of their habitat by invasive species introduced by humans. Invasive mice, rats, and goats had wreaked havoc on the delicate ecosystem, threatening the existence of these unique creatures. To provide a safe haven for the snails, a wild refuge was established on Bugio Island, where the invasive species were eradicated, paving the way for the snails’ return.
A Global Conservation Effort
The ambitious reintroduction plan was spearheaded by biologist Dinarte Teixeira in collaboration with the Instituto das Florestas e Conservação da Natureza (IFCN) as part of the Help Desertas Snails conservation program. Partnering with zoos in the UK and France, as well as international conservation organizations, the team orchestrated a meticulously planned reintroduction strategy to ensure the snails’ survival. With four additional projects in the pipeline for the coming years, the conservation program is poised to make a lasting impact on the fragile ecosystem of Bugio Island.
A Beacon of Hope
In a heartening turn of events, the once-thought-to-be extinct snails have been given a new lease on life, thanks to the unwavering dedication of conservationists and scientists. Through meticulous breeding programs and careful monitoring, these precious creatures are now on the path to recovery, offering hope for their species’ future.
As Dr. Gerardo Garcia aptly put it, “These snails are incredibly precious. The Desertas Islands are the only place in the world where they can be found, so we’re striving to do everything we can to give them the best possible chance for the future.” The successful reintroduction of these endangered snails serves as a beacon of hope for conservation efforts worldwide, demonstrating that with collaborative action and unwavering determination, we can make a difference in preserving our planet’s precious biodiversity.