A species of freshwater snail found only in Llyn Tegid, Wales’ largest natural lake located in Eryri National Park, has become the focus of a major conservation initiative involving multiple British wildlife facilities. The glutinous snail, scientifically known as Myxas glutinosa, measures smaller than a fingertip and features a distinctive gold-flecked brown shell covered by a gelatinous mantle. The species serves as an indicator of healthy aquatic ecosystems and was once distributed widely across UK waters before becoming extinct in England due to water pollution and habitat degradation.
Conservationist Ian Hughes began working with the species since 2014 under license from Natural Resources Wales, initially collecting specimens from the lake and later establishing a captive breeding population at his residence in Llanarth. A significant breakthrough occurred when the first recorded eggs were discovered in captivity after four months of care, demonstrating successful reproduction in controlled conditions. This achievement prompted expansion of the conservation effort, with Hughes’ family joining the initiative alongside other team members dedicated to understanding the snails’ ecological requirements and breeding needs.
The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums has coordinated partnerships with multiple facilities including Wingham Wildlife Park in Kent, Askham Bryan Wildlife Park in York, Longleat in Wiltshire, Dudley Zoo, and Chester Zoo to establish ark populations—backup breeding colonies intended to safeguard the species against extinction. These institutions are receiving snails bred from the Hughes’ greenhouse population and developing specialized facilities and research programs to support long-term care and reproduction. The initiative forms part of a broader government-backed conservation scheme valued at £60 million aimed at protecting endangered species across the UK.
The ultimate objective involves reintroducing bred snails to suitable natural habitats within the next several years, with the Freshwater Habitats Trust evaluating potential release sites. Conservation officials estimate that reintroduction to the wild could potentially occur within three years, contingent upon continued successful breeding and environmental suitability assessments. Climate change poses an ongoing threat to the species, making the distributed ark population approach critical to ensuring long-term survival.
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