New Snail Species Discovered in Montenegro Amid Hydropower Threat
Scientists uncover unique snails in Komarnica Canyon, facing potential destruction.
1Discovery of New Snail Species
Two new snail species, Cochlostoma komarnica and Cochlostoma dobrido, have been identified in Montenegro. These species, found in limestone-rich areas, expand the known diversity of European land snails. The discovery was made during expeditions organized by Taxon Expeditions, which involved international researchers and citizen scientists. Both species are small, measuring about 6 mm in length, and have unique features such as eyes positioned along the sides of their heads.
2Unique Features of the Snails
The newly discovered snails exhibit several unusual characteristics. Unlike most land snails, their eyes are located along the sides of their heads rather than on eye stalks. Additionally, they possess a circular disk attached to their tails that can seal the shell opening like a door when the snail retreats inside. These adaptations likely help them survive in their rocky, limestone habitats where they feed on algae and lichens.
3Expedition Details
The expeditions that led to the discovery were conducted between 2018 and 2025 in Montenegro. Organized by Taxon Expeditions in partnership with the Taxon Foundation and the Montenegrin Ecologists Society, these field studies brought together international researchers, citizen scientists, and local students. The teams focused on exploring the biodiversity of Durmitor National Park and Komarnica Canyon, areas known for their rich but poorly documented ecosystems.
4Naming the Species
The expedition team named the new species after the locations where they were found. Cochlostoma dobrido was named after the Dobri Do Plateau in Durmitor National Park, while Cochlostoma komarnica takes its name from the Komarnica Canyon. The naming process involved a vote held at the expedition camp, reflecting the collaborative nature of the research.
5Threats to Komarnica Canyon
Komarnica Canyon, home to Cochlostoma komarnica, faces significant threats from a proposed hydropower project. The project plans to flood the canyon, potentially destroying its unique ecosystem and undiscovered species. Researchers and conservation groups are now documenting the area's biodiversity to build a scientific case for its protection, emphasizing the canyon's ecological importance.
6Call for Protection
The Montenegrin Ecologists Society is advocating for Komarnica Canyon to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Durmitor National Park. They argue that hydropower projects are neither green nor sustainable when they threaten unique ecosystems. The society is urging the abandonment of the hydropower plans to preserve the canyon's biodiversity and ecological integrity.
7Scientific Significance
The discovery of Cochlostoma komarnica and Cochlostoma dobrido highlights the rich biodiversity of Montenegro's limestone habitats. These findings underscore the importance of continued biodiversity exploration in the Balkans, where many species remain undocumented. The snails' unique adaptations also provide new insights into the evolution of land snails in rocky environments.
8Implications for Conservation
The discovery of these new snail species and the threats they face from hydropower development emphasize the need for proactive conservation efforts. Protecting areas like Komarnica Canyon is crucial for preserving biodiversity and preventing the loss of species that may hold ecological or scientific significance. The ongoing documentation of the canyon's wildlife aims to support these conservation goals.