National Parks and Wildlife Service rangers spotted 60 fluorescent snails in Mount Kaputar National Park that survived the fires
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves himLa fluorescent pink snail was spotted on Mount Kaputar in New South Wales, survived the fires forests that have destroyed much of its ecosystem.
The flames have in fact affected the area for more than six weeks starting last October, devastating over 18 thousand hectares of green areas.
The mountain hosts at least 20 rare snail species, which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. It is an important ecological community, which today is in danger of disappearing.
About the 90% of the snail population it may indeed have been killed by flames while they were hibernating in the bark of trees.
Is it a leaf? …No… Is it bark?…No… It's Pinky!!! Mt Kaputar pink slug @AustmusResearch @austmus pic.twitter.com/nMaJtlVLmN
- Anja Divljan (@AnjaDivljan) November 13, 2015
However, some giant fluorescent snails managed to survive as they were hidden in crevices between the rocks. After the recent rains, National Parks and Wildlife Service rangers have spotted 60 giant fluorescent snails in the national park of Mount Kaputar.
https://twitter.com/41Strange/status/1219739152301690880
Now it is hoped that the population will be able to recover, although it could take several years. Most of the food sources of the snail, including fungi, mosses, earthworms and other snails, were in fact heavily affected.
Also, due to the lack of vegetation, the fluorescent snail could be easily identified by birds and mammals hungry, although its bright color should deter any predators.
Snails are also threatened by the climate crisis: A 2 ° C rise in temperature could wipe out the entire population, according to Frank Köhler, malacologist.
Species already living at the top of the mountain will be particularly at risk, as they will not be able to move higher to escape the high temperatures.
Invertebrates represent 99% of Australia's animal species and are fundamental for ecosystemsDespite this, there are no programs and funding for their conservation.
“Species do not exist independently of other species and we must try to keep the entire system and all species within it against environmental impacts such as fires,” Köhler stressed.
Mount Kaputar National Park is still affected by forest fires and will remain closed to visitors until at least February 28.
When it comes to wildlife, #Australia always has the weirdest creatures #pinkslugs https://t.co/2WmeNa7AAs
— Steve Shaw ? #FBPE (@BishopsgateCopy) May 4, 2016
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