A well-intentioned snail introduced in French Polynisia to control invasive species has caused the extinction of numerous native land snails, highlighting the risks of biological control.
Invasive species impact native wildlife
In French Polynesia, the introduction of a carnivorous snail in the 1970s to control an invasive African giant snail has led to the extinction of many native land snail species.Pink rove slug's unintended consequences
The pink rove slug, Euglandina rosea, was brought in to combat the African giant snail, which was harming local crops. However, the slug preyed on both the invasive species and many native snails.Extinction of native snail species
According to research from Coote and Loève in 2003, only five of 61 Partula snail species recorded in the Society Islands remained. Later research by Gerlach in 2016 found 18 of 51 species still surviving, indicating a significant loss of biodiversity.Biological control gone wrong
The pink rove slug is responsible for the extinction of at least 134 land snail species in Oceania. This has made it one of the most cited examples of failed biological control efforts.Conservation efforts underway
Conservationists have begun breeding and reintroducing remaining Partula snail species. Thoiry Park in France is one location where these efforts are taking place.Reintroduction on Raiatea
Reintroduction efforts have started on the island of Raiatea with three endemic species: Partula tristis, Partula dentifera, and Partula mooreana. These efforts involve collaboration between the Pacific Island Land Snail Group and French Polynesian authorities.Importance of ecological management
The case highlights the risks of introducing non-native species to control others, reinforcing the need for careful ecological planning and management.
