New Species Already At Risk

By Annette J. Beveridge

Two new species of snail have been discovered, but one is already at risk of extinction due to a proposed hydropower development. 

The two new snail species, Cochlostoma komarnica and Cochlostoma dobrido, are approximately 6mm long and feed on algae and lichens. The snails live in limestone rocks in the Durmitor and Komarnica regions of Northern Montenegro. 

But the snails have some incredible adaptations.

Both snails have eyes positioned on the sides of their heads rather than at the ends of stalks. Another adaptation is a circular structure attached to the tail, and this is like a door.  As the snail retreats inside its shell, the entrance closes.  

The snails were discovered during expeditions in Montenegro between 2018 and 2025.

The expedition included professional scientists, conservationists, students, along with members of the public who were playing their part in a citizen science project.  At first, the researchers were unaware they had found new species, but after an examination and genetic analysis, they released their discovery. 

The landscape is relatively unexplored due to the rocky habitat, gorges and canyons, so it raises the question of how much more could be discovered.

Both snails were named at the location of discovery. Cochlostoma dobrido takes its name from the Dobri Do Plateau, situated among the mountains of Durmitor National Park.

Cochlostoma komarnica was named after Komarnica Canyon, an impressive river canyon south of Durmitor.

There are plans for a hydropower dam and reservoir in the Komarnica Canyon, and researchers with the Montenegrin Ecologists Society say the development could flood parts of the canyon, permanently altering the ecosystem.