Edinburgh Zoo’s Partula Snails to Boost Population in French Polynesia

Edinburgh Zoo is sending thousands of rare partula snails to French Polynesia to aid in the species' reintroduction. This effort follows the successful release of over 5,000 partula snails in 2023, marking one of the largest reintroductions ever.

The snails, bred at the zoo, were marked with UV-reflective yellow paint for easy identification during their nocturnal activity. This initiative aims to bolster the wild population of partula snails, which were nearly extinct in the wild until rescued in the 1990s by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) and the Zoological Society of London.

Jo Elliot, a curator at the Royal Zoological Society, highlighted the significance of this reintroduction: “It’s incredibly exciting to return these snails to their native habitat. This project showcases the vital role zoos play in species recovery.”

The original snails were sourced through a collaboration involving 15 zoos, with the majority of partula species classified as extinct in the wild. This ongoing conservation effort reflects the dedication to reviving endangered species and underscores the success of international conservation programs.