Summary
Land snails are among the most overlooked invertebrates, yet they play critical roles in ecosystems as decomposers, calcium cyclers, and food for other wildlife. The Otway Ranges in Victoria host an exceptional diversity of snails, many of them endemic, but some have gone unrecorded for decades.
The Great Otway Snail Blazer project set out to change that. Through citizen science, partnerships with landholders, and systematic surveys, the project aimed to rediscover threatened species, document hidden diversity, and raise awareness of these tiny but vital animals.
Project Strategy
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Conducted systematic timed searches across public land and private Landcare properties.
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Collected and processed leaf litter samples to uncover microsnails less than 5 mm in size.
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Trained and engaged community volunteers in survey methods and identification.
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Used iNaturalist to record findings and build a public biodiversity dataset.
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Collaborated with the Australian Museum and local Landcare to validate discoveries.
Key Achievements
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Rediscovered the Erskine River Pinwheel Snail (Bonhanamoropa erskinensis) after nearly 30 years.
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Recorded the Splitters Falls Land Snail (Geminoropa scindocataracta) at new sites.
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Found five undescribed snail species and one undescribed genus within 5 km of Apollo Bay.
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Raised the profile of the endangered carnivorous Otway Black Snail (Victaphanta compacta), already a symbol of local biodiversity.
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Built community custodianship by engaging private landholders and volunteers.
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Showcased results through the community event “The Great Otway Snail Blazer,” inspiring conservation of overlooked species.
Partners
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Threatened Species Conservancy (TSC) – Project leadership
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Australian Museum – Scientific expertise and specimen curation
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Local landholders and volunteers – Habitat access and on-ground support
Conservation Status
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Otway Black Snail (Victaphanta compacta) – Endangered (FFG Act)
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Erskine River Pinwheel Snail (Bonhanamoropa erskinensis) – Threatened, rediscovered
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Splitters Falls Land Snail (Geminoropa scindocataracta) – Threatened, rediscovered
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Multiple undescribed endemic snails – conservation priority
Costs (Funds Spent & Still Required)
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Estimated Cost: $80,000
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Funding Received: $20,000
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Future Needs: Further taxonomic research, expanded surveys, and habitat protection
