What's Happening?
More than 1,000 Campbell’s keeled glass snails, once thought extinct, have been reintroduced to Norfolk Island. This marks a significant milestone in a conservation program led by Taronga Conservation Society Australia and other partners. The species,
presumed extinct for over 30 years, was rediscovered in 2020, prompting a breeding program at Taronga Zoo Sydney. The program began with 46 snails and has successfully increased the population to over 1,300. The snails have been released into Norfolk Island National Park, their only known habitat, where they are now breeding in the wild.
Why It's Important?
The reintroduction of Campbell’s keeled glass snails is a major success in conservation efforts, demonstrating the potential for recovery of species once thought extinct. This project highlights the importance of collaboration among conservation organizations and the role of captive breeding in species recovery. The snails play a crucial role in their ecosystem by recycling nutrients and supporting forest health. The success of this program could serve as a model for future conservation efforts for other threatened invertebrates, emphasizing the need for continued habitat protection and monitoring.
