Polynesian tree snails are one to two centimetres long at maturity, and at birth they are only 1.5 millimetres. As detritivores, they feed on dead or decaying organic matter, making them an important contributor to nutrient cycling. Their muscular foot secretes mucus which contains moisture-absorbing proteins, helping them stick to the undersides of leaves.
Fun fact – These snails are hermaphroditic, meaning they can self-reproduce if they don’t find a mate!
-
Ecology
-
Threats
The main cause of their extinction in the wild was predation by the carnivorous rosy wolf snail, which was introduced to control giant African land snails. The giant African land snails were originally intended as a human food source, but escaped and began damaging local crops. Rather than preying on African land snails, the rosy wolf snails ate the slower-moving Polynesian tree snails, driving them to extinction.
-
Conservation
As this species is now extinct in the wild, captive breeding is their only hope of survival. An international captive breeding programme has been set up in zoos across North America and Europe, with reintroductions planned in the Polynesian Islands. Further research is needed to find ways for them to coexist with the rosy wolf snail to make introductions successful. The samples stored by Nature’s SAFE may be a crucial part of improving the genetic diversity and the numbers of future Polynesian tree snail populations.
Take action today
Together we can end the extinction crisis
Preserved January 2024
Help us turn the tide on extinction
At least 50 distinct genetic lines are needed to save each species.
On average, it takes £100 to preserve cell and tissue sample from one animal. That’s at least £5,000 to preserve an entire species.
Make a monthly donation to safeguard the future of our natural world.
Donate Now
Fundraise for us
Sponsor a Fundraising Hero embarking on a challenge, or plan your own fundraiser to support us.
Get Started
Corporate participation
Explore opportunities to develop a corporate partnership with us.
Get Started
Guianan Squirrel Monkey
Total Population: Around 150,000 in the wild
Inca Tern
Total Population: Around 150,000 in the wild
Clouded Leopard
Total Population: Less than 10,000 in the wild
Little egret
Total Population: 660,000 to 3,150,000 in the wild
Wolverine
Total Population: Around 13,000 in the wild
Sumatran laughing thrush
Total Population: 2,500 - 10,000 in the wild
South American fur seal
Total Population: Around 200,000 in the wild
Collared peccary
Total Population: More than 2,000,000 in the wild
Black howler monkey
Total Population: Less than 5,000 in the wild
Fea’s tree frog
Total Population: Unknown
African wild dog
Total Population: Around 6,600 in the wild
Mandanao bleeding-heart dove
Total Population: Less than 2,500 in the wild
Scimitar-horned oryx
Total Population: Around 400 in the wild
Bactrian camel
Total Population: Less than 1,000 in the wild
Patagonian Sea Lion
Total Population: 222,500 to 265,000 in the wild
African Lion
Total Population: 20,000 - 25,000 in the wild
Asian short-clawed otter
Total Population: Unknown
Red river hog
Total Population: Unknown
Chimpanzee
Total Population: 170,000 - 300, 000 in the wild
Brandt’s vole
Total Population: Unknown