Two New Snail Species Found in Montenegro's Mountains

Topic: Biology

Scientists have discovered two new snail species in Montenegro. The snails were found on limestone rocks and have unique features such as eyes on the sides of their heads and a circular disk that can seal their shells like a door.

Two new snail species, Cochlostoma komarnica and Cochlostoma dobrido, have been discovered in Montenegro's mountains. These tiny snails are only about 6 mm long and live on limestone rocks where they feed on algae and lichens.

The snails were found during expeditions organized by Taxon Expeditions, a program that allows the public to participate in real scientific fieldwork. Between 2018 and 2025, teams of researchers, citizen scientists, local students, and conservationists worked together to explore the biodiversity of Durmitor National Park and Komarnica Canyon.

The snails were named after the places where they were found. Cochlostoma dobrido was named after the Dobri Do Plateau, while Cochlostoma komarnica was named after Komarnica Canyon. The discovery of these new species is exciting news for scientists, as it shows that there is still much to be learned about the natural world.

However, the discovery also highlights a pressing concern. Komarnica Canyon is threatened by plans to build a hydropower dam and reservoir, which would flood the canyon and destroy its unique ecosystem. This would not only harm the snails but also many other species that live in the area.

Why It Matters

This discovery shows how much we still have to learn about the natural world. It also highlights the importance of protecting unique ecosystems like Komarnica Canyon, which are home to many species that are still unknown to science.

Key Facts

• Two new snail species were discovered in Montenegro's mountains: Cochlostoma komarnica and Cochlostoma dobrido.
• The snails live on limestone rocks and feed on algae and lichens.
• They have unique features such as eyes on the sides of their heads and a circular disk that can seal their shells like a door.
• Komarnica Canyon is threatened by plans to build a hydropower dam and reservoir, which would flood the canyon and destroy its ecosystem.
• The discovery highlights the importance of protecting unique ecosystems like Komarnica Canyon.

Key Terms

Cochlostoma

A genus of snails that are common in karst communities around the Mediterranean.

Caenogastropoda

A group of snail species that includes Cochlostoma.

Implications

This discovery shows how much we still have to learn about the natural world. It also highlights the importance of protecting unique ecosystems like Komarnica Canyon, which are home to many species that are still unknown to science.