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Partula Tohiveana Snail Declared Critically Endangered After Successful Reintroduction

A remarkable conservation milestone has been achieved with the reclassification of the Partula tohiveana snail, which has been designated as critically endangered by the IUCN Red List, having previously been listed as extinct in the wild. This significant event is attributed to a comprehensive conservation effort spearheaded by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL).

The tiny mollusks, often no larger than a peanut, owe their resurgence to a dedicated, decades-long conservation initiative that ZSL has orchestrated in collaboration with various international partners. This effort culminated in the successful reintroduction of the species in French Polynesia, where they have begun to breed in their natural habitat.

Decades of Collaboration Yield Results

Paul Pearce-Kelly, curator at London Zoo and leader of the conservation program, described the reclassification as a watershed moment in conservation science. “Witnessing a species return from the edge of extinction after years of collective effort exemplifies the significance of our work,” he remarked. Pearce-Kelly emphasized the vital role of zoos in broader conservation strategies beyond mere population maintenance, calling attention to the tangible impact such initiatives can have.

The snail’s revival follows the first successful discovery of adult specimens born in the wild in Mo’orea, a positive indicator of the program’s success. Several organizations joined forces with ZSL, including the French Polynesian Government, the University of Cambridge, and various zoos across Europe and the United States, highlighting a robust network of collaboration devoted to wildlife conservation.

Addressing Threats from Invasive Species

The plight of the Partula tohiveana snail escalated in the 1980s due to predation from the invasive rosy wolf snail, which severely decimated their populations. In response, ZSL initiated a focused breeding program designed to protect and nurture the species in controlled environments, allowing for extensive research and recovery efforts.

Conservationists meticulously bred the snails at London Zoo and other facilities, followed by the release of marked individuals back into their forest habitats in French Polynesia. This strategic approach exemplifies how careful attention and innovative methods can help save endangered species.

Fiona Sach, ZSL’s zoo conservation impact manager, expressed profound satisfaction at the intercontinental effort yielding positive results. “It’s incredibly rewarding to witness these snails thriving in their natural ecosystems once again,” she noted, expressing optimism about the potential for similar achievements with endangered species worldwide.

A Milestone Release

In September 2024, the St. Louis Zoo, a key participant in the reintroduction initiative, celebrated the birth of wild Partula snails as a significant win for conservation. The recent reintroduction effort involved releasing approximately 6,000 snails from various species and subspecies, with the Missouri zoo coordinating the safe transport of over 3,200 individuals to Tahiti for their new start.

Among these, St. Louis Zoo successfully raised about 1,000 Partula snails, contributing to this groundbreaking conservation effort aimed at restoring biodiversity and reiterated the importance of fostered wildlife in safeguarding ecological balance.

Source
people.com