A species once considered extinct is now on the path to recovery. More than 300 Campbell’s Keeled Glass-Snails (Advena campbellii) have been successfully reintroduced to their native habitat in Norfolk Island National Park, marking Australia’s first large-scale snail translocation project. This initiative resulted from a collaboration involving key organizations, including the Australian Museum, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, and Western Sydney University.
This project, which took five years to develop, aims to restore a species thought lost forever while enhancing the unique ecological landscape of Norfolk Island. “This project is a testament to the power of collaboration,” stated Dr Isabel Hyman, a Research Scientist in Malacology at the Australian Museum. She noted that snail translocation efforts have been rare globally, making this achievement particularly noteworthy.
The groundwork for this reintroduction began in 2021 with the establishment of Australia’s first snail breeding program at Taronga Zoo. Initially starting with just 46 snails, the program has successfully increased the population to over 800 snails. In early June, more than 600 snails were transported to Norfolk Island, where they acclimatized in tanks before being gradually introduced to their natural diet. Each snail was tagged with a tiny ID label measuring only 2.7 mm for monitoring purposes.
In late July, a significant milestone was reached as 340 snails were released into a carefully prepared catchment area within the national park. The site was enhanced with irrigation and predator control measures to provide the snails with optimal conditions for survival. “This is a huge milestone for conservation in Australia,” said Monique Van Sluys, Manager of Conservation and Recovery Programs at Taronga. She emphasized the dedication of the partners involved in giving this species a fighting chance.
Recent monitoring efforts have yielded promising results, with the research team observing several neonate snails at the release site. This discovery suggests not only survival but also reproduction among the newly released snails, offering hope for the establishment of a self-sustaining population. Junn Kitt Foon, a PhD student at Western Sydney University, explained, “We tracked each snail every three days for the first two weeks after release to study their movement and survival. Most snails stay within a metre or two of the point of release, while a few venture as far as seven metres.”
The project is particularly significant given that Norfolk Island is recognized as a biodiversity hotspot, home to 62 endemic snail species. The Campbell’s Keeled Glass-Snail plays a crucial role in the island’s ecosystem by aiding in the decomposition of organic matter, dispersing fungal spores, and supporting overall biodiversity. With land snails on islands disappearing faster than any other animal group, this initiative is vital not only for preserving the species but also for maintaining the health of the entire ecosystem.
While the initial release marks a major achievement, the journey continues. Researchers, along with staff from the national park, will maintain a close watch on the snails to gather data that will inform future conservation strategies. Plans are already in place for a second reintroduction of zoo-bred snails in 2026. “Based on the lessons learned this year, we will refine the strategy for the next phase,” Foon added.
The collaborative effort highlights the importance of teamwork in conservation and serves as a hopeful example of how dedicated initiatives can lead to the recovery of critically endangered species.
