New Zealand's Carnivorous Land Snails Face Looming Extinction
New Zealand's Department of Conservation (DOC) has raised alarms about the near extinction of some of the world's most spectacular land snails, with climate change playing a critical role in their decline.
\"Right now, 43 types of carnivorous land snails are classified as nationally critical, the final status before extinction,\" stated DOC Science Advisor Kath Walker on Monday.
The latest threat classification report reveals that out of 109 assessed species, 48 have experienced a decline in status, while only six have shown improvement.
To prevent further losses, the report's expert panel recommends urgent actions, including:
- Controlling exotic browsers and predators
- Protecting natural habitats
- Addressing the broader impacts of climate change
Walker warned that if the current high rate of decline continues, carnivorous land snail populations could decrease by an additional 95 percent over the next few decades.
One alarming example is the Wainuia clarki snail, which has slipped from nationally vulnerable to nationally critical. This decline is attributed to a rat invasion on its once-secure island habitat in Lake Taupo. Mainland colonies are also suffering from predation by thrushes and hedgehogs, coupled with drier forest floor conditions.
Experts emphasize that without immediate and sustained conservation efforts, many of New Zealand's giant land snails could vanish, leading to a significant loss of biodiversity.
Reference(s):
Snails in New Zealand sliding to extinction due to climate change
cgtn.com
