A full interview with invertebrate zookeeper Katie Kelton reveals the successful conservation efforts to save the greater Bermuda land snails from extinction. About a decade ago, the last surviving population of these snails was found in an alleyway in Hamilton, Bermuda. They had taken refuge on concrete slabs near a dripping air conditioner. Today, thanks to the dedicated work of conservationists, over 10,000 snails have been bred in captivity and released into protected wooded areas of Bermuda in the past seven years.
Katie Kelton, a key figure in the breeding and care of these snails at Chester Zoo in the U.K., expressed delight in the snails’ progress, stating that they are thriving and breeding successfully in their natural habitat. The collaborative effort involving Chester Zoo, Biolinx Environmental Research in Canada, and the Bermudian government has been instrumental in the species’ recovery. A forthcoming publication in Oryx, The International Journal of Conservation, will detail the project’s accomplishments.
Despite these achievements, the snails still face threats such as habitat loss and invasive predators. The tiny P. bermudensis snails, essential to Bermuda’s ecosystem, play a crucial role as decomposers and a source of calcium for native predators. Kelton described them as “cute and pretty,” emphasizing their unique patterning.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies P. bermudensis as critically endangered due to human activities and the introduction of invasive species. The successful reintroduction of the snails was celebrated during Reverse The Red Day, an event recognizing efforts to combat biodiversity loss.
Kelton highlighted the challenges faced during the captive breeding process, underscoring the team’s dedication and passion for conservation. While the snails have been reintroduced to several protected sites, including Nonsuch Island, where they have thrived, the long-term sustainability of the population remains uncertain.
Timothy Pearce, a mollusk curator, emphasized the importance of ongoing research to ensure the snails’ continued survival in the wild. He praised the reintroduction efforts but cautioned that vigilance against predators is necessary for the snails’ permanent protection. The journey to safeguard these beloved snails is ongoing, requiring sustained commitment and conservation efforts.
