In 1955, Hawaii released cannibal snails. Native tree snails paid the price
Hawaii introduced a predatory snail in 1955 to control pests, which then devastated native tree snails. Scientists now operate a snail emergency room to protect the remaining species. These colorful kāhuli snails were once abundant and culturally significant to Hawaiians. Captive breeding is slow, and efforts focus on predator-proof fences for reintroduction. Conservationists strive to prevent further extinctions, highlighting a global trend of human-induced endangerment.



