A tiny semi-slug named after renowned naturalist Sir David Attenborough has received a conservation boost from the Tasmanian Government.
The Attenborougharion rubicundus, also known as the Burgundy snail, is facing threats from habitat loss and has been included in a $50,000 conservation project announced this week.
Environment Minister Madeleine Ogilvie said the government was committed to protecting all native wildlife regardless of size.
“The range of Sir David’s snail – its area of habitation – is extremely small, and was affected by bushfires in years past,” Ogilvie said.
“While the snail may be small, it’s ours and was named in honour of a biologist cherished by many Australians, so we want it to continue to thrive in our beautiful rainforests.”
The rare species can only be found in rainforests on the Tasman and Forestier Peninsulas in Tasmania’s southeast.
It belongs to an unusual group of molluscs known as semi-slugs, possessing a shell so small that the creature cannot retract into it for protection.
The Australian Museum honoured the celebrated broadcaster by naming the species after him in 2017.
NRM South, one of three natural resource management organisations in Tasmania, will lead the conservation effort.
The project will involve comprehensive surveys to determine the snail’s status, distribution and threats, followed by the development of practical management strategies to ensure its survival.
The funding comes as part of the $400,000 first round of the four-year, $8 million Threatened Species Fund.
Six other conservation initiatives received funding in the same round, including projects focused on Rubicon Sanctuary, Southport heath, Morrisby’s gum, Miena cider gum, Woodland Birds on Bruny Island, and saltmarsh restoration at Burdens Marsh.
