Among the eastern forests of Cuba, a natural treasure that does not spark like gold lives, but shines thanks to its shapes and colors: the polymeds, known as the “most beautiful snails in the world”. These terrestrial molluscs are famous for their painted shells, characterized by spirals with bright colors and motifs that seem to be created by an artist.
Despite their beauty, however, today I am on the verge of extinction. The Polymita paradox is that their uniqueness makes them vulnerable. The shells, highly sought after by collectors and even used to create jewels and souvenirs, are illegally sold at high prices.
Although the Cites Convention prohibits the export of the shells from Cuba without permission, trade in other countries remains legal, feeding traffic. To worsen the situation, the destruction of the habitats, the deforestation and climate change drastically reduce the areas in which these snails manage to survive.
An international mission to protect them
To counteract this risk, a team of Cuban and British scholars has combined forces. Among the protagonists are the evolutionist Angus Davison of the University of Nottingham and the biologist of the conservation Bernardo Reyes-Tur of the Universidad de East. The goal is twofold: on the one hand, start reproduction programs in captivity, on the other hand deciphering the genetic heritage of the six known species, to understand the origins of their extraordinary colors.
Among all the species, the most threatened is the on the Sulphurosa Polymit, recognizable for the lime green shell with blue shades and orange bands. He lives in a very limited area and any loss, due to collectors or environmental destruction, can quickly lead it to the intention. Finding it in nature was a success for researchers, who now try to guarantee their survival through controlled farms.
In Nottingham workshops, small samples of fabric are kept in cryogenic freezers for in -depth genetic analysis. In Cuba, however, Reyes-Tur personally raises the molluscs in their home, despite the difficulties related to the frequent blackouts.
The ambition is to insert the Polymites in the IUCN red list and ensure concrete protection strategies. The challenge is great, but the hope is that these natural jewels can continue to color Cuban forests, rather than disappear in the collectors’ drawers.
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