Rare snail species bred for first time at Jersey Zoo

Tuesday 19 December 2023

Tiny snail hatchlings named Brian and Gary are the result of what Jersey Zoo have called the "incredible success" of a breeding programme for an endangered species.

The Frégate Island Enid snail is native to Frégate Island in the Seychelles, and became endangered after rats were introduced to the island in 1995.

Though rats have now been eradicated, the Enid snail population on Frégate Island remains vulnerable and a "safety net" population has been created at Jersey Zoo.

Local zookeepers are trained in "the management of this marvellous mollusc and similar species, all the while continuing the development of the species' husbandry to the highest possible standard".

The rare snail species was initially introduced to Jersey in August 2022.

This first batch of Enid snails were successfully reared to adulthood in 2023 – with several more clutches "breeding nicely" since then.

In a Facebook post, Jersey Zoo said: "The Chelonian & Invertebrates team have had incredible success this year at breeding the endangered Frégate Island Enid snail.

"Native to Frégate Island in the Seychelles, just north of Madagascar, the species can only be found on two-square kilometres of the island.

"The keepers have been strengthening their husbandry techniques for these unique animals and this is the first time this species has been bred at the zoo."

Asked whether the snails have names, a Jersey Zoo spokesperson said: "We currently have a strong population of Brians, but some of these younger snails are looking more like Garys..."

Pictured top: One of the tiny newborn Frégate Island Enid snails. (James Gotts/Jersey Zoo)