Tiny Snails Make a Comeback: Breeding in the Wild After 40 Years in French Polynesia
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In an inspiring milestone for global conservation, tiny Partula tohiveana snails have been found breeding in the wild for the first time in 40 years, marking their successful reestablishment in French Polynesia.
The discovery on Moorea Island is a triumph for conservationists, including those at the London Zoo, who have worked tirelessly to reintroduce the snails. For decades, captive-bred snails were released into the wild, and this year, Senior Curator of Invertebrates & Fish, Paul Pearce-Kelly, discovered unmarked adult snails—a clear sign that they are now reproducing in their natural habitat.
“Though small, these snails hold immense cultural, ecological, and scientific value,” said Pearce-Kelly. “Seeing them thrive in the wild after years of effort is incredibly rewarding.”
Partula snails, known as Polynesian tree snails, play a vital role in their ecosystem by consuming decaying plant matter and fungi, which helps maintain forest health. Their return is helping to restore ecological balance to islands disrupted by invasive species.
In the 1980s, invasive rosy wolf snails were introduced to control African giant land snails but instead preyed on native Partula snails, driving many species to extinction. To prevent total loss, conservationists rescued the last remaining individuals of several Partula species and launched an international breeding program.
Over the past decade, more than 30,000 snails have been reintroduced to the islands of Tahiti, Moorea, and Huahine, including 10 species previously classified as Extinct in the Wild. Each snail is carefully monitored with a small dot of UV-reflective paint, allowing conservationists to track their progress at night when the snails are most active.
“This collaborative effort showcases the power of conservation zoos in combating biodiversity loss,” added Pearce-Kelly.
The successful breeding means tohiveana can now be downlisted from “Extinct in the Wild” to “Critically Endangered” on the IUCN Red List, signaling a significant step toward their long-term recovery.
This global effort, supported by organizations like the Players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, highlights the importance of teamwork in restoring endangered species. Partula snails are not just surviving—they’re thriving, proving that dedicated conservation can bring species back from the brink of extinction.
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