For Immediate Release
May 21st, 2024

Endangered Snail Species Discovered in the Upper Thames River Watershed

Live Shagreen (Inflectarius inflectus) snails have been discovered at Snake Woods Nature Preserve near Woodstock by Scott Gillingwater, Species at Risk Biologist with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority. The observation was first made in April 2023, corrected a year later via iNaturalist, and subsequently verified by two mollusk experts that specialize in Canadian snails. In April 2024, a second specimen was observed on the property.

The Shagreen is a terrestrial snail that is endangered both provincially and federally. While this species used to be found in two sites in southwestern Ontario (Leamington area) and five islands in Lake Erie, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canda status report states that “it is currently known to persist on only two islands.” This suggests that Snake Woods Nature Preserve could be home to the last remaining mainland population in Canada.

Shagreen populations have dwindled mainly due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Climate change impacts such as extreme temperatures and flooding also threaten the species’ survival.

An identifying feature of the Shagreen, when compared to similar looking species, is its closed umbilicus (the centre of the underside of the shell). This key feature was noted by an iNaturalist user, leading Gillingwater to seek out snail experts (Malacologists) Dr. Annegret Nicolai and Robert Forsyth to confirm the species.

“This is why iNaturalist is so important to scientists. Without access to international experts, this find may have fallen through the cracks,” said Gillingwater.

Contact:

Scott Gillingwater
Species at Risk Biologist 

Upper Thames River Conservation Authority
[email protected]