29 August 2014: The Aldabra banded snail (Rhachistia aldabrae), declared extinct in 2007, has been re-discovered at the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site of Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles.

Linked to declining rainfall on Aldabra, the snail’s demise was publicized internationally as one of the first casualties of climate change. Before its re-discovery, the last living individual of the species was recorded in 1997.

The team of Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF) staff located several snails, including juvenile ones, on one of Aldabra’s endemic trees, while exploring infrequently visited parts of Malabar Island, the second largest island of Aldabra, on 23 August 2014. Juvenile specimens were last recorded in 1976 and were considered particularly vulnerable to desiccation due to reduced rainfall.

SIF Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Frauke Fleischer-Dogley has stated that despite global environmental challenges, such as climate change, the re-discovery demonstrates that “investments into protecting unique island biodiversity are well-placed.” Noting nature’s surprising resilience, she urged participants of the Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States to take note that “investment is needed to generate such success.”

Seychelles is also home to many endangered species, including the world’s largest population of giant tortoises (Aldabrachelys gigantea) and one of the largest congregations of nesting green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the Indian Ocean. [SIF Press Release] [Seychelles News Agency] [UNESCO Aldabra World Heritage Site] [IISD RS Sources]