Erhai Lake, nestled in the highlands of Yunnan Province in southwest China, is not just a picturesque body of water. Formed around 3.5 million years ago due to geological upheavals of the Himalayas, this ear-shaped lake—its name “Erhai” literally means “Ear Sea” in Chinese—holds a secret from the distant past.
Beneath its tranquil surface lives the Margarya melanioides, a giant freshwater snail species that has survived for over a million years. Found exclusively in the cold, high-altitude waters of Yunnan’s lakes, this remarkable mollusk is notable for its extraordinary size and unique shell.
Unlike other freshwater snails, the shell of Margarya melanioides is adorned with rings of raised lines, giving it a distinctive and pronounced appearance. This morphological feature is rare among its contemporaries and speaks to the snail’s ancient lineage and adaptation to its environment.
The existence of such a species underscores the rich biodiversity of the southern Yunling Mountains region. Erhai Lake and its surroundings are a living museum of natural history, showcasing species that have thrived since prehistoric times.
As global interest in biodiversity and conservation grows, the story of the giant freshwater snail of Erhai Lake serves as a reminder of the unique and irreplaceable natural treasures found in Asia’s diverse landscapes.
Reference(s):
Southern Yunling Mountains Series Ep. 3: Giant freshwater snail
cgtn.com
