When our biologist lost a vial with an entire species | EP.3

For this week's video we are back in the Desertas islands where the team has been trying to save four critically endangered species from extinction.
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⏱️TIMESTAMPS⏱️
0:00 Intro
0:52 Expedition Recap
2:04 Expedition Continues
7:02 9 Months Later
ABOUT THIS PROJECT
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Four species of snail thought to be extinct have been found on a small Atlantic island. After more than 100 years without a confirmed observation, the species were rediscovered on Deserta Grande by the local conservationists at IFCN. Their only home and habitat had been devastated by invasive species so their reappearance comes as a very pleasant surprise.
However, initial estimates of their numbers (less than 50) suggest they may be on the verge of extinction.
For this project, we have joined a hopeful rescue operation led by the IFCN that aims to ensure the long term survival of these species.
The plan involves starting a captive breeding programme in collaboration with Chester Zoo and Bristol Zoo to boost snail numbers. But the first step of finding enough individuals of these endangered animals, perched on this rugged and remote island, was no easy feat. This is why we sent Tiago, one of our adventurous conservation biologists, to navigate the perilous rocky terrain and help with the expedition work.
Once there are enough snails in captivity, we’ll be exploring the possibility of reintroducing them onto an adjacent island where the fossil record suggests the species used to be abundant and where the habitat is recovering following the eradication of invasive species.
Read more here: mossy.earth/projects/rewildin...

[@TheTdZt]

The relief when I found that vial is hard to describe!! Hope we find enough individuals soon

[@MossyEarth]

😂 I can imagine! Good job Tiago 🙌 Excited for the upcoming expeditions and field work. - Cheers, Duarte

[@glennpeters6087]

Every species fills an ecological niche. None are unimportant. Thank you for your efforts to achieve their survival.

[@matthewdavies5875]

I can only imagine the sinking feeling you had when you could find the vial. What an expedition!

[@MossyEarth]

Glad he found it... otherwise the sinking feeling would extend to all of us too 😅

[@TheTdZt]

I couldn’t believe it!

[@tomn4483]

@@TheTdZt how did you get into your line of work? I find this stuff very interesting

[@ThePlayfarer]

I was surprised to see my comment in a video! Love what you guys do, keep it up!

[@MossyEarth]

Hi Tom :) Thank you for the support, it is really appreciated, we mean it! - Cheers, Duarte

[@lucagilli2882]

Hey, it would be great if in while the snails are at the zoo breeding, someone will start working on reforestation on the island so that on their return snails can find an environment more suitable for their survivaland prevent the possibility that the population will drop again!! Anyway, very good job guys i love what are you doing for the planet

[@MossyEarth]

Thank you for the thoughtful comment! You are right, having suitable habitat is essential before any reintroduction can happen. At this stage it seems most likely that a reintroduction would happen on the island next to this one where fossils show the species used to exist. In that island the habitat is recovering naturally after invasive species were removed. We will keep you updated! Tiago

[@lucagilli2882]

@@MossyEarth that’s great! Some good news, thank you Tiago!

[@riarocha3853]

How cool are these little snails 🤩 So glad we are helping them! I love when conservation efforts are put in place for the sake of the species itself. Looking forward to continue working towards protecting species that are overlooked and quick to be labelled boring- they need us the most.

[@MossyEarth]

Agreed! These "ugly ones" or "boring ones" are very much worth saving :D

[@Concojone5]

You guys are really doing fantastic work. I was also impressed by the genuine concern to find back and save the 2 snails.

[@mattiaspettersson788]

Excellent work, guys! I’m deeply impressed by all of you!

[@Billy060486]

Congrats on finding the snails and the breeding processing going so well. Congratulations everyone...hard work well done.

[@raahi2531]

So glad that you guys are doing this amazing work! The snails are gorgeous, and lucky at least two of them have a lifeline, the snails thank you!

[@TheTdZt]

Thank you Raahi, makes me happy to see so many people appreciate these snails and want them to have a future! Cheers, Tiago

[@kevdimo6459]

Thanks for your commitment to these creatures and all the work you do. 👍🏻

[@jonrosell6971]

Warms my heart to know that even snails get this kind of effort by scientists and some success is being made against the invasive rats around the world. And such lucky snails being saved by such a gorgeously cute biologist! 😍

[@TheBobador]

Loved this series! These super remote islands have such an interesting story to tell, who would have thought! I'm also very glad Tiago was able to find that vial!! 😬

[@MossyEarth]

Thanks Bob! So am I... 😂 - Cheers, Duarte

[@jaalittle2814]

It is lovely to see people contribute their time, energy and money to save species, no matter the size or significance. Well done 👍

[@EmaDurao10]

I had no idea of how the desertas islands looked like before watching this series! I hope these snail species have a bright future! Thank you for your efforts Tiago!

[@MossyEarth]

Thank you Ema! I feel an urge to visit now as well :) - Cheers, Duarte

[@TheTdZt]

Thank you Ema! It’s an incredible place

[@timozkurt7944]

Well done Tiago and the team on your meticulous work. Well worth the effort to give these little fellas a lifeline!

[@MossyEarth]

Agreed! Every little species matters and a forgotten critter left to he devoured is worth saving :) - Cheers, Duarte

[@TheTdZt]

Thanks Tim. It makes me happy to see so many people care!

[@tolsgaming6058]

I think it is truly incredible what you are all doing here! I just graduated with a Geography degree and I have dreams of helping the world just like you folks do -- even if it's just one snail at a time! Cheers :)

[@MossyEarth]

Hi Tols, that means a lot to us! Especially on this project that can be less obvious to many people :) - cheers Duarte

[@PaulCoxC]

Your heart must have been in your mouth Tiago! Really exciting project and expedition

[@MossyEarth]

It sounds a lot more stressful than his initial retelling when he casually mentioned he lost and quickly found a vial with some snails... 😂

[@TheTdZt]

I must have checked my pockets 100s of times, couldn’t believe it!

[@derekmorgan7625]

What amazing work you fellows are doing. Every creature on this planet deserves to live and flourish as well. I've been to Ponta de São Lourenço where I saw some amazing millipedes and very diverse plant life despite the arid land and constant wind. I always wonder what is on the islands in the distance. Thanks for sharing the wonders that they behold as well.

[@MossyEarth]

Thank you Derek! We really appreciate that! It is a huge motivator for the team :) - Cheers, Duarte

[@Miamcoline]

Awwww. Really good job and thank you to those rangers for doing what they do and keeping their chin up and thank you to Mossy earth for bringing attention to it and for helping get this breeding program going.

[@leeming1317]

Really cool that you guys are so responsible placing water half way for your trek. I've been there out of water with a disastrous climb still ahead with a 40lb dehydrate dog whos paws are burning and is too fatigued to move anymore. So glad we both made it out of that one. It was very scary, and I only got through it thanks to other fellow hikers who spared some water for my dog, and one man even CARRIED my dog for the rest of the trek back. Amazing!

[@Dave_Sisson]

Many years ago I was a member of a fauna survey group that searched for small animals on the islands of Bass Strait between Tasmania and Victoria in Australia. Some of those islands were steep and rocky, some were large and sandy, but all were cold and wet. While these semi-arid sea stacks in Madeira are very different, the work you are doing is the same sort of thing that we did. Keep up the good work!

[@leeming1317]

That's so cool you guys are passionate conservationists, and I get to contribute to your fantastic projects, and you guys make such lovely videos I can share them with my friends. I love how to go through the ecosystem with a fine tooth comb and leave no species behind! Awesome!

[@SentOnFriday]

You guys are such an inspiration! No snail left behind! Well, unless it decimates the local population of course XD

[@MossyEarth]

Thank you! :) Cheers, Duarte

[@johnnesbit2371]

I love getting such lush eye-feasts of any and all places with names on the world map. So if the name is rather more bland than the place (Islas Desertas), these videos are so greater a reward. I have to imagine that not a few adventurous madeirenses would love to see what you have seen and they haven't, and like myself, they really appreciate this armchair- or deskchair-version.

[@debbiehenri345]

Good to hear it was a successful mission for 2 of the species (and breeding already!)

[@MossyEarth]

Thank you Debbie! We really appreciate you being involved and commenting on every video we post :) Be sure to join the discord if you haven't done so already. There will be many meaningful conversations to be had there! - Cheers, Duarte

[@rodrigocarnier8035]

HEY TEAM, HERE I COME WITH SOME LOVE

[@tylrwnzl]

Fascinating. The one you couldn't find enough of has such a fascinating shell design.

[@anniehill9909]

It must have been so horrible for you. I'm so happy you find it again and am hoping the snails were all safely buried for the dry season.. I am also hoping that funds can be found to eradicate the rats, mice and goats on Deserta Grande and remove the invasive weeds. The islands are so remote, it should be possible to keep them predator free, once cleared, with minimal monitoring. Then the snails, the spider and the seabirds can thrive again.

[@Jules-iq6ks]

This island is just so beautiful, it's breathtaking. Would become a conservation biologist just to get there :D Great work guys ps : maybe pockets with zippers would be more secure ! ^^

[@MossyEarth]

Pockets with zippers indeed 😂 I will pass that sage advice to Tiago! Thank you for the continued support Jules :) - Cheers, Duarte

[@TheTdZt]

Thank you Jules, it’s such a strange and beautiful place. I actually had zipper pockets. I think I have to bring a properly functioning brain in the future 😅

[@keysn9070]

I have a question about the landscape, it seems that the Soil is partially away due to erosion, were there once trees on the island?

[@ericabbott9128]

you guys are amazing! Thank you for all the work you do. these snails are beautiful with their individual shell shapes.. I really appreciate all you do to preserve species so near the brink of extinction. we cannot let them die out.. Thank you!!!

[@johnnesbit2371]

Sorry about the vial (though I have read about the revised denouement). But I am glad you are all in one piece. Please stay that way. But keep on doing your useful and meaningful adventuring.

[@DuartedeZ]

Well done Tiago and the team! Great results and we will be back!

[@TheTdZt]

Thanks, it’s great to see the snail enthusiasm spreading!

[@johnwayne6647]

Snails are very important for ecosystems saving these snails is a good cause !

[@johndavidwolf4239]

I'm so excited about the snail species you found, and am reading all I can find on them. It's amazing they've raised 1200 of two of the species. Thanks for all you do!

[@ramona8947]

I had no idea a whole species of snails could live on just a single island! This series has been so heartwarming to watch, thank you!

[@MossyEarth]

It's incredible how small the range of some species is. Thank you for the nice words, it means a lot to us. Cheers, Tiago

[@mathisthewaycorner]

I am glad that I found this channel. Keep up the good work.

[@2SpiritedSycamore]

Enjoying your videos and happy to be supporting this in a good way joining this. Best regards for supporting diversity! Cheers!

[@ricardoj3456]

As a portuguese, i want to thank you and show you my admiration. i am studying biology in university and i hope that one day i can help in storys like this.

[@Spiracle]

Happens to the best of us Tiago! At least the future for two species is looking a little brighter thanks to the efforts of the team, I'll have to see if I can visit them whenever I'm next around Chester Zoo

[@MossyEarth]

Now on to the next two species so we can save all four! - Cheers, Duarte

[@TheTdZt]

Thanks! Not happening to me again, that’s for sure..

[@kindred3259]

I hope your videos get more views and subscribers. You guys are doing very important work! well done!

[@wgwells]

Amazing work, Tiago and team!

[@MossyEarth]

Thank you my friend! Really stoked this project is getting a bit more love. It is a super worthy endeavour. - Cheers, Duarte

[@crisgutie299]

I hope you're having better luck this spring in the "Topo da Deserta" and sucessfully collecting some viable adults of the last two species Calathoides and Coronula for breeding in captivity . Great job guys ! Cheers

[@MossyEarth]

Hi Cris, thank you for your support! We are doing our best to try and find these species. Recently we did a new expedition and have some exciting news... :)

[@WorkingTitleSoftware]

Great work, delighted to be a supporter

[@MossyEarth]

Thank you! We really appreciate your support, this work would literally not be possible without people like yourself. ❤️

[@williammcduff6531]

Another great video and thumbs up to the whole crew for the effort they've put into this project. Bravo from Canada

[@MossyEarth]

Thank you William! We really appreciate the support :D

[@solar0wind]

Will you make an update about the second expedition soon? Exciting results probably means you found at least one more species, I suppose? In any way, it would be cool to see the update soon!

[@MossyEarth]

Thank you! We are working on this video to be released sometime in the next couple of months so keep an eye out for that :) - Cheers, Duarte

[@mariolys442]

Love love love all you all doing !

[@Lusitani74]

Excellent! Boa sorte com o projecto!

[@Slavicplayer251]

please keep up this great work:). we need more people like you guys !

[@MossyEarth]

Thank you!

[@edward7366]

Why only three episode , I could have watch at least 6 . Nah just kidding great work .I love the passion and those snails are beautiful.

[@MossyEarth]

Ha ha there is more on the way, don't worry :). Thank you for the nice words! Tiago

[@chrisdignan3123]

Great work team. Only just discovered your channel. I'm from New Zealand so am huge on conservation and my dream is to work hard so when I'm older I can retire and do work like this that makes a difference to the world

[@MossyEarth]

Thank you Chris, really appreciate the kind words :) Plenty of important conservation work to be done in your wonderful country. - Cheers, Duarte

[@paolocammelli6138]

Bravissimi! Keep up with the hard work 👏🏼

[@MossyEarth]

Thank you 🙌

[@123willowworks]

Amazing work. What a degraded landscape though! Huge potential for water retention measures and landscape repair.

[@suemalpass8994]

Fantastic videos and crucial work!😇🥰😌

[@duybear4023]

Good job, everyone! It's very important work!

[@fabianknozinger9950]

Great work Wish a lot more people would watch your videos and ill become a member soon

[@MossyEarth]

Thank you Fabian! A lot more people are finally choosing to watch our videos thankfully. Hopefully this one picks up soon. We really appreciate you deciding to become a member with us :D - Cheers, Duarte

[@ritavalkenborg9006]

love this good work

[@emelie5872]

just watched a webinar from mossy earth, you guys are very cool :D

[@MossyEarth]

Thank you for watching Emelie! Glad you enjoyed it :) - Cheers, Duarte

[@Helios1001]

Keep it up! 👍

[@bataafeub2472]

Thank you for saving the species

[@julieschleiss-andreassen693]

That was clutch!

[@MossyEarth]

That was clutch indeed!

[@saminazarene6883]

Those mountains looked really dangerous!!! I came across a couple of your videos and watched them to the end i was so very interested. Greetings from west scotland.

[@MossyEarth]

They are a bit lose so it's good to keep an eye out. Not too different from the anoche agach ridge in certain places ;) Cheers, Tiago

[@johnnesbit2371]

@@MossyEarth is the verb-form you want there [pp, loosened]. "lose" involves car keys, reading glasses, souvenirs and sample tubes being found astray [pp, lost]]!

[@jennifermatthes4030]

Please make a saving coral reef video!

[@ncs2000]

Great job

[@alexwaterville8074]

Well done folks 👏 👏 👏

[@MossyEarth]

Thank you Alex!

[@shawnohagan5503]

Great video

[@MossyEarth]

Thank you Shawn!

[@RichardMontgomeryYT]

good job guys

[@Hansulf]

Please dont forget about Musschia isambertoi, a plant in the brink of extinction. Who knows if any of those snails depend on this plant for food... The main problem Ilhas Desertas is facing is overgrazing by goats... They need to go! Push for It's removal! That is where the focus of effort should be put.

[@kfl611]

Thanks!

[@MossyEarth]

Thank you! :D - Cheers, Duarte

[@wildwanderer6025]

Interesting video, keep on going with the good work! I would have loved to know why the snails needed saving. At a glance a remote rocky island doesn't seem like a place where the ecosystem is threatened by human intervention. Maybe you can provide some background for people who were not involved in the project before and are just watching the video?

[@MossyEarth]

Good question! The snails face various threats, largely remnants of human activity. Any trees on the islands were cut down, and several invasive species ranging from plants to rats and goats were introduced and left there. As you can imagine, what with the fragility of island ecosystems, this had a massive impact and pushed many species to the brink. If you'd like more information, I recommend checking out parts 1 and 2 of this series! You can find them easily via the Deserted Island playlist on our channel. Hope this helped! - Tom

[@wildwanderer6025]

@@MossyEarth Thanks for the info, I hadn't found those videos yet. That is a shame, I can imagine the problems with that.

[@mirromarnicco3162]

I hope that you will be able to get more of the atlantica snails.

[@MossyEarth]

We will do our best!

[@mirromarnicco3162]

@@MossyEarth Thank you. You are heroes to me already.

[@geheimnis8187]

fantástico

[@prajaktajoshi6280]

👍

[@evans7771]

How can I join an expedition like this?

[@maksiksq]

Wait you could make a country there, where is this place?

[@ellenorbjornsdottir1166]

Are Desertas rangers allowed to ride bicycles? I suppose not because of the risk of wheel trampling endangered species.

[@mihai6420]

Maybe it s a stupid question, but I want to know why. You said, there were trees, why you don t plant any back?

[@datchaanimalsheltermoldova1980]

Probably they don't have money at the moment

[@jersonluces428]

I just want to ask why is the other species with the last 4 known individuals left behind? I mean it's no longer safe for them there right? Why not bring them also in order to save the species?

[@mikshinee87]

I used to help snails pass the street as a child by carrying them. I was sad seeing the cracked shells of those who perished, they had no chance against us humans. Every species matters in the fabric of life. It's a problem when people only want to save the "cuddly" or "charismatic" ones. People have pumped a lot of cash into pandas when 'the ugly ones' like amphibians and mollusks are almost gone. Who is there to speak for the snails? You are.

[@meh8885]

🐌🐌

[@siloemascolo2769]

tem algum canal em português?

[@NorbertMcdaniel]

snails 🐌

[@andyparlane3294]

Why no video?

[@TheCoffeybeans]

Do you have a Patreon?

[@MossyEarth]

No Patreon, but we have a monthly membership, which you can look at on our website mossy.earth :)

[@jadedrealist]

The host of this video is hot. I got something endagered for him to save. My heart.

[@kindred3259]

lol they're doing some very important work..... its not a strip show

[@IkeReviews]

Save the 🐌 🐌 🐌 🐌 🐌 🐌

[@MossyEarth]

Thank you Ike!

[@Ggdivhjkjl]

Please don't do that again. It's nerve-wracking.

[@chizilow]

wow you made that snail spices to be more extinct

[@MossyEarth]

Not sure what you mean? 2 of four snail species are successfully breeding in captivity, and we didn't remove any of the other two from the habitat... - Tom

[@chizilow]

@@MossyEarth i mean you droped the vail

[@mansageekz7938]

@@chizilow they found the vial

[@chizilow]

@@mansageekz7938 oh ok nice

[@azorean2000]

Thanks!

[@MossyEarth]

Thank you Bruno, we really appreciate it! - Tom