Battle to save the tiny, gooey snail only found in one lake in the UK
Once prevalent across the UK, this mollusc is now only found in one lake in Wales.
A rare, gelatinous snail, Myxas glutinosa, exclusive to a single lake in the United Kingdom, has captured the attention of conservationists as a vital and precious species akin to an ancient Egyptian artifact. British zoos are now working tirelessly to safeguard the snails by creating protected populations and breeding them in captivity.
The humble snail, no larger than a fingertip, boasts a distinctive, gold-speckled shell and long, floppy antennae, resembling ears. Conservationist Ian Hughes, driven by an unquenchable passion, has dedicated himself to the preservation of this vanishing mollusc, which has dwindled to a mere presence in Welsh Lake Llyn Tegid, part of Eryri National Park, or Snowdonia.
After years of research, Hughes successfully observed the snails laying eggs in captivity, marking a significant breakthrough in understanding the species' life cycle. The Hughes family, including his wife Kerry and their children, have become deeply involved in the endeavor, caring for the snails alongside other critically endangered creatures.
With support from the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA), the zoos are collaborating to establish captive breeding programs and ultimately reintroduce the snails back into their natural habitat. The Freshwater Habitats Trust and conservation organizations are investigating potential water bodies where the snails can be released, aided by the knowledge and expertise gained through the breeding efforts.
While climate change poses an additional threat to the species, conservationists remain optimistic, driven by the renewed commitment to save this remarkable and elusive creature.
Written by urgent.news from BBC Science's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
