Save the Garden Snail

Among various species of snails, the garden snail is quite familiar to us. It clings to tree branches and leaves to survive. Primarily herbivorous, it plays a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance. The absence of these snails in a particular region signals the loss of natural balance. For this reason, the garden snail is considered an indicator of pollution. Unfortunately, it is disappearing from many parts of our country.

According to a report published in the media on Saturday (November 9), whenever air pollution or pesticide usage increases in a region, the garden snail begins to vanish. This is why the snail is referred to as an indicator of environmental pollution. However, this species is now on the brink of extinction. The destruction of forests and the excessive use of pesticides in agriculture are destroying the environment needed for their survival. This has been revealed in a recent study. The research was conducted by the Malacological Research Laboratory of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Rajshahi University (RU), in collaboration with several universities from Japan.

From September 27 to October 3, a research project was conducted focusing on the garden snail in several areas of Rangamati, Bandarban, and Khagrachari districts. The specific areas included Hatipara, Sapchhari, Wagchhari, Paglipara, Baroichhari, Bilhaichhari, and others in Rangamati; Reicha, Ramtiya, Kroupara, Bajalia in Bandarban; and Mahalchhari, Manikchhari, Sindukchhari, Maischhari, Lemuchhari, Kengalchhari, and Kalapahari in Khagrachhari. The researchers found that the garden snail is a species of the genus Amphidromus, and it plays an important role as an ecological indicator. This species is often referred to as a "flagship species" due to its role in signaling the health of the environment. The snail is also known as the "garden snail" because it resides on trees and carries out its reproductive processes on them. Sensitive by nature, the garden snail contributes positively to the ecosystem.

In addition to maintaining the ecological balance, the garden snail serves as an indicator of environmental pollution. Once found throughout almost all areas of the country except for the coastal regions, it is now only found in the hilly regions of Chittagong Hill Tracts and Sylhet. The snail has disappeared from the plains of Bangladesh. Unfortunately, it is not just the garden snail that is disappearing—many species of aquatic and terrestrial snails are also vanishing from the country. In the past, various sizes and types of snails were abundant in our ponds, rivers, fields, and farms. These snails helped produce organic fertilizer and enriched the soil's fertility.

The snail researchers have pointed out that the decline in the snail population causes both direct and indirect damage to the environment. They highlight several adverse impacts, including the reduction in food sources for fish and ducks, water contamination, deterioration of soil health, increase in waterborne diseases, the rise of mice, and the depletion of indigenous fish species, ultimately leading to the disruption of ecological balance.

Some people now cultivate snails as a source of income, but if we fail to preserve the natural existence of wild snails, it will pose a threat to the entire ecosystem. Although it may be late, people are beginning to understand the importance of protecting snails. There may still be time to preserve their existence, and therefore, it is crucial that immediate action be taken to safeguard snails. This includes stopping deforestation and avoiding the indiscriminate use of pesticides everywhere.