Researchers exploring Montenegro’s rugged landscapes have uncovered two previously unknown snail species, remarkable for their tiny size and the ability to seal their shells with a door-like disk. These discoveries underscore the hidden biodiversity still present in Europe and highlight urgent conservation concerns.
- Tiny snails can close shells like doors using a tail disk.
- Discovered during citizen-supported expeditions in Montenegro.
- One species lives in a canyon threatened by hydropower development.
What happened
During a series of expeditions between 2018 and 2025 in Montenegro, scientists and citizen participants discovered two new snail species previously unknown to science. Named Cochlostoma komarnica and Cochlostoma dobrido, these tiny snails feature cone-shaped shells about 6 mm long and live on limestone rocks where they feed on algae and lichens.
Their discovery was not immediate; the snails were studied in field laboratories involving dissections and genetic analyses that confirmed their unique status. They also exhibit remarkable adaptations, including eyes located on the sides of their heads and a circular disk on their tails that can close their shell openings like a door. The naming reflected their habitat locations: Komarnica Canyon and Dobri Do Plateau.
Why it feels good
Finding new animal species in Europe reminds us of the richness and continued surprises in our own backyards. It highlights the importance of collaborative efforts involving scientists, local communities, and citizen scientists working together to uncover nature’s hidden gems.
This discovery adds to the growing knowledge of biodiversity in the Balkans, a region known for its mountainous terrain and untouched natural areas. It sparks optimism that more unknown species may still dwell in these lesser-explored environments, encouraging further exploration and conservation.
What to enjoy or watch next
Attention now turns to the fragile home of Cochlostoma komarnica in Komarnica Canyon, a beautiful but unprotected area facing threats from plans to build a hydropower reservoir. Conservation groups and researchers are campaigning to protect this ecosystem, pressing for its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Durmitor National Park.
For nature lovers and advocates, supporting efforts to preserve wild habitats like Komarnica Canyon is key. Watching how science, public engagement, and conservation action come together here will be an inspiring example of protecting biodiversity against development pressures.