Norfolk Island hairy snail faces extinction risk

Scientists and conservationists from Taronga Zoo and the Australian Museum are working to prevent the extinction of the Norfolk Island hairy snail (Fanulena imitatrix). This rare mollusc, characterized by its small seven-millimetre domed shell and golden hairs, is found exclusively in a small patch of rainforest within the Selwyn Reserve on Norfolk Island.

The species faces several critical threats, including predation by feral rats and chickens, the presence of invasive Argentine ants, and the drying effects of climate change. While the Norfolk Island Regional Council has identified ant infestations in the reserve, they have hesitated to use pesticides for fear of further harming the snail population. Recent surveys indicate a significant decline in numbers, with only 68 live snails recorded in August of last year.