{
  "id": 14031171,
  "title": "These New Snails Can Slam Shut Their Shells Like Doors",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/these-new-snails-can-slam-shut-their-shells-like-doors",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-12T19:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Nautilus",
    "slug": "nautilus",
    "url": "https://nautil.us/these-new-snails-can-slam-shut-their-shells-like-doors-1285729/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Many of us who have been teenagers appreciate the relief of seeking refuge behind a shut door. This satisfaction is shared by two newly discovered snail species in Montenegro, known for their ability to close their shells like doors. These tiny openings, called \"opercula,\" are common in freshwater and sea snails, but rare in European land snails. By sealing their shells, the snails trap moisture and protect themselves from predators.\n\nThese unique snails, measuring under 0.28 inches long, reside in limestone rocks and primarily feed on algae and lichens. They are classified as Cochlostoma komarnica and Cochlostoma dobrido, named after their respective discovery locations: the Komarnica Canyon and the Dobri Do Plateau. C. komarnica typically inhabits lower altitudes than C. dobrido.\n\nIn wet conditions, the snails venture out to forage and explore, while during dry weather, they take shelter in cracks, rocks, and under moss. The discovery of these new species contributes to the cataloging and protection of global wildlife. However, C. komarnica faces a particularly urgent conservation concern as the canyon it inhabits is set to be flooded for a hydropower dam project. This destruction of the wild river canyon and its biodiversity, including many undiscovered species, is alarming.\n\nFortunately, the study authors are advocating for the canyon to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Durmitor to safeguard C. komarnica's future. As the lead study author, Jovana Đokić, explains, saving these snails will require more than just their protective shell doors.",
  "summary": "It’s always good to have the option of some peace and quiet The post These New Snails Can Slam Shut Their Shells Like Doors appeared first on Nautilus .",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}