A team of conservationists from Chester Zoo has successfully bred 300 near-extinct Madeiran land snails, releasing them back into their natural habitat on Bugio Island. This endeavor comes after only 21 snails were discovered on the Portuguese island, believed to be the last of their kind.
Challenging Reintroduction Process
The project involved overcoming significant challenges as the team had to navigate treacherous conditions to ensure the snails' safe return. Chester Zoo experts were tasked by the Madeira government to assist in this critical conservation effort within the Madeira archipelago.
According to Tamas Papp, assistant team manager for invertebrates at Chester Zoo, the operation required navigating the island's challenging terrain by climbing cliffs in the dark to find suitable locations for the snails. Papp emphasized the urgency of the mission, stating, "We knew we had one shot to save them. If we missed this chance, that was it: they were gone."
Overcoming Adverse Conditions
Papp described the reintroduction as possibly the most complex they have undertaken, citing the short time window due to rough weather and the lack of a jetty on the island. The team had to jump directly into the water, climb out, and then scale the cliffs while equipped with helmets and harnesses.
The snails, each measuring about 8mm or a third of an inch, play a crucial role in their ecosystem by consuming vegetation and enhancing soil quality. Their progress will be closely monitored as they reestablish themselves in the wild.
