A significant conservation milestone has been reached with the successful reintroduction of over 300 Campbell’s Keeled Glass-Snails (Advena campbellii) to Norfolk Island. This marks the first large-scale snail translocation and reintroduction project in Australia and its surrounding islands. The initiative, which has taken five years of collaborative efforts, aims to restore a species once feared extinct and enhance the ecological balance of Norfolk Island’s unique environment.
Led by the Australian Museum in partnership with the Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Parks Australia, Western Sydney University, the Norfolk Island Regional Council, and the Department of Infrastructure and Services, the project signifies a remarkable achievement in conservation biology. “This project is a testament to the power of collaboration,” stated Dr. Isabel Hyman, a Research Scientist in Malacology at the Australian Museum. “We have interviewed snail translocation experts from around the world to develop a detailed plan, and we’re proud to be part of a team working to restore a species once thought lost forever.”
The journey began in 2021 when the collaboration established Australia’s first snail breeding program at Taronga Zoo Sydney. Starting with just 46 snails, the population grew significantly, ultimately exceeding 800 individuals. In early June 2023, more than 600 snails were transported to Norfolk Island, where they acclimatised in specially prepared tanks. Upon their arrival, the snails were gradually introduced to their native diet and tagged with tiny identification labels measuring just 2.7 mm.
In late July, a total of 340 snails were released into a carefully prepared catchment area within Norfolk Island National Park. The site underwent enhancements with irrigation and intensified predator control measures to maximise the chances of survival for the newly introduced snails. “This is a huge milestone for conservation in Australia,” remarked Monique Van Sluys, Manager of Conservation and Recovery Programs at Taronga. “Transporting and reintroducing these sensitive snails is no small feat, but thanks to the dedication of our partners and keepers, we’ve given this species a real chance at recovery.”
Recent monitoring efforts have yielded promising results, with teams observing several neonate snails at the release site. This discovery indicates that the snails are not only surviving but also reproducing in the wild, which is a hopeful sign for establishing a self-sustaining population. “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,” explained Junn Kitt Foon, a PhD student at Western Sydney University.
The National Park protects the last known patches of habitat for this precious species. “The team is proud to extend their knowledge and skills to support its recovery in the wild,” stated Mel Wilson, Natural Resources Program Manager at Norfolk Island National Park. The snails will continue to be monitored closely by researchers and park staff, including experts from Western Sydney University and the Australian Museum. Their progress will inform future conservation strategies aimed at protecting other threatened invertebrates across Australia.
Looking ahead, the team is already planning for the second reintroduction of zoo-bred snails slated for 2026. “Based on the lessons learned this year, we will refine the strategy for the next release,” said Foon.
Norfolk Island, located approximately 1,700 km northeast of Sydney, is recognised for its rich biodiversity, particularly in land snails, with 62 endemic species documented. The Campbell’s Keeled Glass-Snail, notable for its delicate, keeled shell, plays a critical role in the ecosystem, aiding in the decomposition of organic matter and supporting biodiversity.
This project is not only a vital step in saving a species from extinction; it also contributes significantly to the preservation of the health and resilience of an entire ecosystem. As the journey continues, the translocation team remains committed to closely monitoring the snails and managing the reintroduction process to ensure the best possible outcomes for this endangered species.
