Snails

Tag: Snails

The Kāhuli and ʻŌhi‘a: The Interspecific Interaction that Kept Hawai’i Healthy

As conservationists fight to save Hawai’i’s native ʻŌhi‘a tree, they realize the important role native kāhuli snails play in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Hawai’i is currently facing two epidemics: the near extinction of the native kāhuli snails and the spread of Rapid Ohi’a Death decimating the iconic ʻŌhi‘a trees. While seemingly not connected, these two […]

Written by on September 26, 2019

Snails’ Tree-climbing Defense Won’t Protect Against Invasive Rats

Native snails on Hokkaido Island climb trees to avoid native predators, but this tactic can’t help them escape predatory invasive rats. In a small region of Hokkaido Island, Japan, the slow-moving, athletically brilliant Sapporo Mai-Mai Snail (Euhadra brandtii sapporo) ascends the high canopy, escaping ground-dwelling predators. When winter gives way to spring, snails transition from […]

Written by on May 10, 2017

Snails: Charismatic? Not really. Important? Absolutely

Snails, though not exactly a widely celebrated species, have much to offer.  They may not be as popular or charming as the world’s widely-recognized endangered megafauna (tigers, elephants, rhinos, pandas, etc), but snails are important for ecosystems functioning around the world. Snails are decomposers–they break down natural material into smaller parts–and as such help to uphold nature’s cycle of life […]

Written by on August 29, 2016