We snailed it!

“by far the greatest contribution to a conservation project in Marwell’s history”

More than 6,000 Extinct in the Wild and Critically Endangered Partula snail species from zoos across Europe, including Marwell Zoo, have travelled more than 15,000 miles in a bid to reverse their extinction.

Ahead of the journey, the tiny snails were each marked with special UV paint, which glows under torchlight identifying them to conservationists at night when they are most active.

It is hoped that once they have been returned to the wild, these animals could form the start of a resurgence that reverses their Extinct in the Wild status.

Preparing the 6,000 animals for this incredible journey includes veterinary checks, biosecurity measures and organising travel documents ahead of their trip more than halfway around the world.

Marwell contributed 1,640 snails to this year’s release including 100 Partula mooreana, 1,500 Partula varia and 40 Partula taeniata nucleola.

The snails were transported to ZSL (Zoological Society of London) on Wednesday 4 September in their tanks and from there, made their onward journey, carefully packed for their flight wrapped in tissue and cardboard tubes.

Ali Reynolds, Senior Keeper, Lower Vertebrates and Invertebrates, said: “I started working with Partula when I joined the Lower Vertebrate and Invertebrate Team around 14 years ago, and whilst I’d never envisioned working with snails, they very quickly became something I am incredibly passionate about.

“The threats to these species are all man-made so it’s heartening to see so much effort being put into saving them, even if they aren’t the usual, charismatic favourites of many people.”

Amazingly, Marwell houses and breeds the only Partula mooreana left anywhere in the world, a species that is Extinct in the Wild.

Ali said: “Marwell has made a huge contribution to this year’s release and with us being the only collection currently holding Partula mooreana, the fate of this species is really in our own hands.

“In terms of the number of animals bred at Marwell and released into the wild, this is by far the greatest contribution to a conservation project in Marwell’s history.”

When they arrived in French Polynesia the snails were checked and released, with the Partula mooreana and Partula taeniata nucleola finding new homes on Moorea, and the Partula varia heading to Huahine.

Marwell Chief Executive, Laura Read, said: “This is a massive landmark for these species and our contribution continues to cement Marwell Wildlife’s status as a globally significant conservation organisation.

“Snails may not be considered as the poster child for wildlife conservation, but they play an incredibly important role in the ecosystem, ensuring natural balance and enriching the environment around them.

“By pulling species like these back from the brink of extinction we’re able to make a real contribution to the future of our planet and to nature’s recovery.

“We have been delighted to work with many other partners on this project, including ZSL and it is testament to what can be achieved when we all work together.”