New Zealand’s unique carnivorous land snails are on the brink of extinction, with climate change playing a significant role in their decline, according to the New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC).
“Right now, 43 types of carnivorous land snails are classified as nationally critical, the final status before extinction,” said Kath Walker, DOC Science Advisor and leader of the latest threat classification report.
The report reveals that out of 109 assessed species, 48 have seen a decline in their conservation status, while only six have shown improvement. The expert panel emphasizes the urgency of controlling exotic predators, protecting habitats, and addressing climate change impacts to prevent further losses.
“If the high rate of decline continues, carnivorous land snail populations could crash by a further 95 percent over the next few decades,” Walker warned.
Species like the Wainuia clarki have moved from being nationally vulnerable to nationally critical. Factors such as rat invasions on previously secure island habitats, predation by thrushes and hedgehogs, and drier forest conditions are contributing to their precarious situation.
The plight of New Zealand’s snails highlights the broader challenges faced by unique species worldwide in the face of climate change. The situation calls for immediate action to safeguard these ecological treasures for future generations.
Reference(s):
Snails in New Zealand sliding to extinction due to climate change
cgtn.com
