Extinct Native Tree Snails Returned to Honolulu Wild

Conservationists have successfully released Achatinella fuscobasis snails back into a protected forest enclosure.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Wildlife

Bold vector illustration of a single tree snail on a tropical leaf inside a protective wire mesh cage. — The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources has successfully reintroduced the endangered Achatinella fuscobasis tree snail to the Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources has returned the Achatinella fuscobasis snail to the wild after the species had been extinct in the wild for 33 years. More than 1,000 of the snails are currently maintained at a laboratory in Pearl City to support the population recovery.

Why it matters

This reintroduction aims to restore a native species that nearly disappeared following the introduction of the predatory rosy wolfsnail in 1955. The project marks a significant milestone in efforts to revive populations of tree snails that had dwindled to just 11 known individuals by 1991.

Conservationists built a quarter-acre enclosure featuring five-foot walls and protective barriers to house the snails. Volunteers contributed 600 hours to clear invasive threats and restore the native vegetation over a five-year period.

The players

Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources

This state agency manages Hawaii's natural and cultural resources, including the Snail Extinction Prevention Program.

Achatinella fuscobasis

This is a species of native tree snail that is indigenous to the Hawaiian Islands and had been extinct in the wild for over three decades.

Bishop Museum

This institution focuses on the natural and cultural history of the Pacific and is planning to house captive snail laboratories.

Honolulu Zoo

This organization is participating in the plan to establish captive snail laboratories for public viewing and education.

The details

The team established a secure habitat in the Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve, utilizing specialized polyethylene walls and copper wire to deter rats, chameleons, and the invasive rosy wolfsnail. This specialized environment is designed to ensure the survival of the snails as they transition from the SEPP laboratory back into their natural range.

Hawaii introduced the predatory rosy wolfsnail in 1955.
The species was declared extinct in the wild in 1991.
Conservationists spent five years preparing the forest habitat.
The snails were released into the forest in October 2026.

Culture Shift

The reintroduction reflects a broader shift toward active ecological restoration rather than passive conservation in Hawaii. By reversing a 1955 environmental error, the project highlights a growing movement to undo historical biodiversity losses through intensive captive breeding and habitat management.

Residents can eventually expect to see the snails at public exhibits planned for the Bishop Museum and Honolulu Zoo. The project requires ongoing support from the local community to maintain the forest reserve as a safe, predator-free environment for the rebounding population.

The takeaway

The return of the snails highlights the potential for intensive habitat restoration to reverse past ecological damage. Continued public participation in volunteer site maintenance is essential for ensuring these fragile colonies thrive in their original habitat.