The Vanishing Hairy Snails of the Thames

The Thames River in London is home to a unique creature, the German hairy snail. This small snail has a hairy shell, which helps it live in wet areas. The hairs help the snail manage moisture, making its slime stickier. This allows it to hold onto plants and debris in its environment. However, the German hairy snail is in trouble. It is now one of the most endangered mollusks in the UK. Its habitat has shrunk to small, isolated spots along the river. People are working to save the snail. Conservationists and volunteers are conducting surveys to learn more about the snail's situation. They hope to understand how the snail is doing and how to protect it. This effort is not just about the snail. It also aims to preserve green spaces in London for both people and wildlife. The German hairy snail has a long history in the UK. Fossils show it has been around since the Stone Age, possibly even the last Ice Age. At that time, the Thames was connected to the Rhine River in Germany. This explains why the snail is found in both places. The snail is also found in other parts of Europe, including eastern Russia, the Baltic Sea islands, and Germany. In Germany, the snail is considered endangered. The snail's survival is at risk. People are trying to save it, but it's a challenge. The snail needs help to survive and thrive in its natural habitat. The efforts to save the German hairy snail are important. They show how people can work together to protect wildlife and the environment.