Conservation
The story of Polynesian tree snails, such as the Partula, is a sad one. African land snails were introduced to the islands as a source of food for the local people, but they soon escaped and started eating crops. In 1974 , in an effort to control the land snails, a smaller predatory species of snail was introduced; Euglandina rosea. This species started to feed on the native Polynesian tree snails. Before long, many species of Polynesian tree snails became extinct. Out of an original 125 species, 50 species are now Extinct in the Wild, and 24 survive in captivity.
Four species of Polynesian tree snail are being kept in Bugworld here at Bristol Zoo Gardens, all four of which are Extinct in the Wild.
Watch our Partula Snail Conservation Story to find out more about international efforts to save Polynesian tree snails
Partula dentifera IUCN Red List species link
Partula hebe IUCN Red List species link
Partula tohiveana IUCN Red List species link
Partula tristis IUCN Red List species link