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The Quest to Restore the Voice of the Forest: Endangered Hawaiian Snails Get New Megaphone
The National Geographic Photo Ark Species Impact Initiative will support the work of scientists to help protect and restore some of the world’s rarest snails throughout the remote mountains of Oahu
Three critically endangered (IUCN) and federally endangered O’ahu tree snails, Achatinella lila at the Snail Extinction Prevention Program in Honolulu, HI. Joel Sartore, National Geographic Photo Ark
Joel Sartore, National Geographic Photo Ark
Washington, DC (December 11, 2024) — While the sounds of sweet melodies rising in the night and images of trees adorned with beautiful, delicate symbols of cultural and historical significance might conjure visions of the holiday season, they are also the sights and sounds of what once filled the forests of Hawaii when its endemic snails thrived.
Known in Hawaiian culture as the voice of the forest, Hawaii’s rich, diverse snail population was once so abundant they adorned the trees like jeweled ornaments. Snails hold immense cultural value in Hawaii’s collective consciousness. They are featured prominently in poetry, chant, and song and are important symbols of hula. Today, over half of Hawaii’s 759 snail species have been lost to extinction as a result of introduced predators, habitat loss, over-collection and climate change. Without immediate action to protect those that remain, experts predict that around 100 more Hawaiian snail species could be extinct within the decade.
Two critically endangered (IUCN) and federally endangered O’ahu tree snails, Achatinella fuscobasis, at the Snail Extinction Prevention Program in Honolulu, HI.
Joel Sartore, National Geographic Photo Ark
To address this growing crisis, the National Geographic Photo Ark announced the second recipient of its Species Impact Initiative, The Snail Ark project. Led by National Geographic Explorer and wildlife biologist David Sischo, The Snail Ark will focus on protecting three species of snail endemic to the island of Oahu — some of the rarest animals in the world — that are extinct or near extinct in the wild. Along with scientists from the Snail Extinction Prevention Program, The Snail Ark plans to further their work, which already includes the captive breeding of 60 rare and endangered snails and installing predator-proof fencing in the remote mountains of Oahu, to create areas where they can reintroduce captive-reared Hawaiian snails. The habitats will give snails a safe space to breed and repopulate out of the reach of predators like carnivorous rosy wolfsnails, which were brought to Hawaii to control crop pests but have since eaten many snail species into extinction. Other introduced and invasive species, such as Jackson’s chameleons and rats, have also taken a heavy toll on Hawaii’s snails.
“All of these land snail species are found nowhere else in the world and are a valued public trust resource with immense cultural value and connection," said David Sischo, who has been on the frontlines of the snail biodiversity crisis in Hawaii for over 15 years. “Hawaii may be at the epicenter of extinction, but we remain hopeful that we have the solutions to turn the tide for Hawaii’s snails and fill the forest with the beauty and songs of snails once again.”
One species that garnered noted acclaim was the yellow-tipped Oahu tree snail (Achatinella apexfulva) that sadly went extinct six years ago this January. The final member of the species, dubbed Lonely George, died on New Year’s Day in 2019. George resided in Sischo’s lab, where scientists worked tirelessly, yet ultimately unsuccessfully, to find a mate for him in his waning years of life. As the last of the A. apexfulva species, the first snail species in the Hawaiian Islands to be described by academic science, his death brought increased awareness to the plight of Hawaiian snails and the need to enact greater protections across the islands.
“This is the best time in human history to help protect species from extinction, not only because so many species are at risk, but also because we have cutting-edge solutions to address the growing threats,” said National Geographic Explorer and Photo Ark founder Joel Sartore. “I created the Photo Ark to bring attention to all animals, regardless of size or shape, and now is the time to take action for Hawaiian snails before even more are lost.”
The Snail Ark is a collaboration between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife, the University of Hawai‘i, and the National Geographic Photo Ark Species Impact Initiative.
“We are thrilled to be embarking on this journey with Explorer David Sischo to restore Hawaii’s endemic and endangered snails,” said Ian Miller, the National Geographic Society’s chief science and innovation officer. “The Snail Ark project is emblematic of the Society’s commitment to support Explorer-led initiatives to illuminate and protect the wonders of our world.”
This is the second project to be funded by the Photo Ark Species Impact Initiative, a multiyear effort to raise awareness of and find solutions to some of the most pressing issues affecting wildlife and their habitats. Led by the National Geographic Photo Ark, the initiative supports science-based, on-the-ground conservation projects chosen through a peer-reviewed grant process. Through this initiative, the National Geographic Photo Ark elevates the work of conservationists and their focal species by leveraging the voice and reach of the Photo Ark with the goal to have direct impact for threatened species. The previous recipient, Explorer George Gann, works to protect the Miami tiger beetle, Bartram’s scrub hairstreak butterfly and other endangered species in the pine rocklands of southern Florida through restoration, advocacy and outreach. A major milestone occurred in 2023 when the project helped protect this critical habitat from a proposed waterpark development.
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National Geographic Photo Ark
In 2006, National Geographic Explorer and photographer Joel Sartore started the National Geographic Photo Ark in an effort to document every species living in the world’s zoos, aquariums and wildlife sanctuaries, inspire action through awareness and education, and help protect species and their habitats by supporting on-the-ground conservation efforts.
To learn more, visit www.nationalgeographic.org/photo-ark
About The National Geographic Society
The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organization that uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Since 1888, National Geographic has pushed the boundaries of exploration, investing in bold people and transformative ideas, providing more than 15,000 grants for work across all seven continents, reaching 3 million students each year through education offerings, and engaging audiences around the globe through signature experiences, stories and content.
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