Sao Tome and Principe starts snail conservation experiment
12 endemic Archachatina bicarinata snails are being monitored in controlled conditions to boost their dwindling population.
The Principe Foundation and the Principe Natural Park have started an ex situ conservation experiment for the búzio-d’obô (Archachatina bicarinata) snail. This endemic species, found only in Sao Tome and Principe, is listed as threatened by the IUCN. 12 snails were collected under permit and are now housed in controlled conditions at Barracão and Porto Real.
This initiative aims to study the snails' survival, diet, growth, and reproduction, including egg-laying periods and clutch sizes. The experiment, supported by HBD and other partners, seeks to gather information due to the species' declining population and lack of data. If successful, snails born in captivity will be reintroduced into the Principe Natural Park.
The búzio-d’obô is a living treasure of the Sao Tome and Principe forests. Protecting this endemic species is a shared responsibility.
Why it mattersThe búzio-d’obô is an endemic snail species in Sao Tome and Principe facing threats, and this experiment aims to boost its population.