Zoo staff rescue near-extinct snails from remote rock
Summary
Conservationists from Chester Zoo have successfully bred 300 Madeiran land snails, a species near extinction, and returned them to Bugio Island in the Atlantic Ocean. Only 21 of these tiny snails were found in the wild before the breeding program began.Key Facts
- Madeiran land snails were found almost extinct, with just 21 left on Bugio Island.
- Chester Zoo experts bred 300 snails in captivity to help save the species.
- The snails were put back on Bugio Island after careful planning and efforts.
- The rescue involved climbing cliffs and navigating rough seas without a jetty.
- The snails are very small, about 8mm or one-third of an inch in size.
- They play an important role by eating plants and improving soil quality.
- The local government of Madeira requested Chester Zoo’s help with this project.
- Conservationists will watch the snails closely to see how they adjust back to the wild.
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