Conservationists Establish ‘Ark’ Populations to Save UK’s Rarest Snail

Several zoos across Britain are establishing captive “ark” populations of the glutinous snail, one of Europe’s most endangered mollusks, which now exists in the wild at only a single location in Wales. The initiative aims to safeguard the species from extinction by utilizing individuals bred in private residences and transferring them to wildlife parks.

Ian Hughes, a conservationist from Llanarth in Ceredigion, described his mission to protect the tiny creature as “life-defining.” Once common throughout UK waters, the glutinous snail (Myxas glutinosa) has vanished from English rivers and lakes due to pollution and habitat destruction. Hughes noted that at one point, he maintained more snails in his garden tanks than had ever been recorded in the wild.

The small, brown mollusk is covered by a delicate, gold-flecked shell and a gooey mantle, earning it its name. Despite being no larger than a fingertip, it possesses distinctive large antennae. Hughes compared the value of preserving the species to protecting ancient Egyptian artifacts.

For over a decade, Hughes has conducted research on the snails in Llyn Tegid, Wales’ largest natural lake located within Eryri National Park, also known as Snowdonia. With permission from Natural Resources Wales, he has installed concrete shelters in the lake and developed a captive breeding program in his greenhouse. A major breakthrough occurred four years after he began the effort when eggs were spotted in his tanks—a first for knowingly observed breeding in captivity.

The project has become a family undertaking, with Hughes’ wife Kerry and their sons Jake, George, and Ben assisting in the rearing of the snails, as well as other threatened invertebrates like scarlet malachite beetles and tadpole shrimp. Ben Hughes emphasized the necessity of enduring harsh conditions, such as wading into the freezing lake in January, to support the ecosystem.

Working with the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA), the Hughes family is relocating snails to parks including Wingham Wildlife Park in Kent, Askham Bryan Wildlife Park in York, Longleat in Wiltshire, and Dudley and Chester zoos. This effort is part of a £60 million UK government-backed program designed to protect rare species.

Samantha Eden, assistant curator at Wingham Wildlife Park, traveled six hours to collect 24 snails. She stated that her facility has established new ponds specifically for breeding and studying the mollusks. Nicky Needham, head of species management at BIAZA, added that research into the snails’ ecology and genetics is ongoing, with the goal of reintroducing them to the wild within three years.

While climate change poses an increasing threat to the species, officials believe that expanding the population beyond its single natural refuge significantly improves its chances of survival. Simon Jones, assistant warden at Eryri National Park, expressed pride in hosting the unique species and supported the expanded conservation efforts.

Hughes described the renewed momentum as exciting, noting that relying on a single population is risky. He concluded that preserving the glutinous snail is a duty to future generations, given their status as irreplaceable natural treasures.