Ecologists Fight to Preserve Unique Mollusc in Snowdonia's Llyn Tegid

A concerted conservation effort is underway to protect the last remaining population of the glutinous snail, Myxas glutinosa, in the UK. This unique mollusc is now exclusively found in Llyn Tegid, a glacial lake within Snowdonia National Park, having vanished from all other previous habitats across the British Isles.

Ecologists are implementing a specialised breeding programme to safeguard the species, which has seen its numbers drastically decline. The snail's precarious existence in Llyn Tegid is jeopardised by fluctuating water levels, pollution, and the introduction of non-native species that compete for resources and alter the delicate ecosystem.

Historically, Myxas glutinosa thrived in clear, oxygen-rich waters across various regions of the UK. Its current confinement to a single lake underscores the severe impact of human activity and environmental shifts on native biodiversity. The project aims to establish a robust captive population, offering a crucial lifeline for the snail's long-term survival and potential reintroduction into suitable habitats, should they be restored.