Rare Snail Rediscovered and Thrives Once More

Quick Smiles:

• Campbell’s keeled glass snail, thought extinct, has been rediscovered on Norfolk Island.
• Australian scientists led a major breeding and reintroduction program, expanding the population to 800 snails.
• Dedicated park rangers and community members played crucial roles in the snail’s remarkable comeback.

A team of Australian biologists made an uplifting discovery: Campbell’s keeled glass snail, believed gone forever, still survives on Norfolk Island. What followed was an ambitious effort to breed these rare snails in captivity and successfully release them back into the wild.

Dr. Isabel Hyman was first alerted by a photo sent by local resident Mark, leading her to identify the elusive snail. Despite pandemic restrictions, Dr. Hyman obtained permission to travel, and her search was rewarded with a handful of snails, which became the foundation for a new breeding colony at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo.

Through patience and dedication, scientists raised around 800 snails, carefully tagging them and returning them to protected valleys on their home island. The reintroduction team even set up irrigation systems to help the snails thrive during dry spells.

“Invertebrates are a whole group of animals that are probably underrepresented when it comes to conservation,”

shared Melinda Wilson, natural resources manager at Norfolk Island national park, whose team helped protect the snails from island pests.

As time passed, the snails became harder to spot—a promising sign that they are spreading into their natural environment. Researchers remain hopeful that their numbers will continue to grow with each rainy season.

“To have these snails front and center as part of our conservation actions … has been really rewarding,”

said Wilson, reflecting the spirit of persistence and care behind this incredible success.

If this little snail can make a triumphant return, there’s hope for every overlooked creature out there. Keep sharing heartwarming stories and let nature’s resilience inspire your day!

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