Conservationists race to save rare glutinous snail in Wales

Conservationists are working to save the glutinous snail (Myxas glutinosa), one of Europe’s rarest species, which is now found in only one location in the UK: Llyn Tegid in Eryri National Park, Wales.

Once widespread across UK waters, the tiny, gold-flecked mollusc has been driven to extinction in England due to habitat loss and water pollution. To prevent total extinction, several British zoos are establishing ‘ark populations’ using snails bred by conservationist Ian Hughes. Hughes has maintained a captive population of approximately 2,000 snails in tanks at his home in Ceredigion since 2014, working under a license from Natural Resources Wales.

The snails serve as vital indicators of healthy aquatic ecosystems. Hughes, who has dedicated his life to protecting the species, has also installed concrete shelters within Llyn Tegid to support the remaining wild population.