Two species of native Hawaiian land snails, *Godwinia caperata* and *Hiona exaequata*, have been rediscovered on the island of Kauaʻi, marking a significant conservation success. These species had not been observed for nearly a century, offering a beacon of hope for the critically endangered Hawaiian land snail population, which is among the most threatened globally, with many species already having gone extinct. The rediscovery highlights the critical importance of ongoing ecological surveys, community engagement, and collaborative conservation efforts.
The Bishop Museum, a leading institution in natural and cultural history, was instrumental in this rediscovery through its researchers and partnerships, including the Kauaʻi Forest Bird Recovery Project. These small gastropods hold deep cultural significance in Hawaiian traditions, often revered in songs and stories as the voices of the forest. Each surviving species represents an invaluable segment of evolutionary history and a profound connection to the islands' cultural heritage.
The Bishop Museum's Pūpū Ola: Kāhuli Protective Rearing Research Center is now nurturing the rediscovered snails. Studying their survival and unique adaptations may provide crucial insights for the protection of other vulnerable species facing similar threats. Scientists note that these tiny snails are a reminder that Hawaiʻi's forests still harbor hidden treasures. The success is a testament to years of collaboration between the Bishop Museum, conservation partners, government agencies, educators, and local students.
Historically, Hawaiʻi was home to over 750 species of land snails, but scientists estimate that up to 90% of this diversity has been lost due to invasive predators, such as rats and chameleons, the rosy predatory snail (Euglandina rosea), habitat destruction, and climate change. Governor Josh Green proclaimed 2023 the "Year of the Kāhuli" to underscore the critical need for increased research and conservation action, recognizing these snails as "jewels of the forest" and vital indicators of ecosystem health. Research conducted in centers like Pūpū Ola aims to understand why these species survived when many others disappeared, which can provide vital lessons for protecting Hawaii's biodiversity.