A full interview with invertebrate zookeeper Katie Kelton reveals the successful conservation efforts that saved the greater Bermuda land snails from extinction. Around a decade ago, the last surviving population of these snails was found in Hamilton’s alleyway, but now they are flourishing in the wild once more. Conservationists, including Chester Zoo, Biolinx Environmental Research, and the Bermuda government, have released over 10,000 bred snails into the protected wooded areas of the archipelago in the past seven years.
Katie Kelton, an invertebrate keeper at Chester Zoo, expressed delight in the thriving snail population, marking the conservation project as a success. However, challenges persist as the snails still face threats from habitat loss and invasive predator species that previously endangered them.
The tiny greater Bermuda land snails, essential to Bermuda’s ecosystem, are the only ones of their kind globally. Despite their small size, they play a crucial role as decomposers, aiding in nutrient recycling in the soil. Their intricate patterns make them visually appealing while also serving as a calcium source for natural predators like birds and reptiles.
Recognized as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), these snails were on the verge of extinction due to human interference in their habitat and the introduction of invasive species. Their successful reintroduction to the wild was celebrated during Reverse The Red Day by the IUCN, acknowledging the conservation efforts that saved the species.
The journey to restore the snails was not without challenges, with the breeding team at Chester Zoo overcoming obstacles to create ideal breeding conditions. While the successful reintroduction of the snails to secure areas is promising, long-term survival remains uncertain, requiring ongoing protection from predators and human impacts.
Reintroduced snails have thrived on several protected woodland sites, including Nonsuch Island, a nature reserve where conservation efforts are actively maintained. Continuous vigilance and conservation measures are crucial to safeguard the reintroduced snail colonies and ensure their sustained presence in Bermuda’s unique ecosystems.
Katie Kelton expressed pride in contributing to the preservation of the snails she deeply admires, emphasizing the importance of giving these overlooked species a fighting chance.