Hundreds of tiny snails were flown from Sydney to Norfolk Island in a rare conservation rescue mission.
The Campbell’s keeled glass-snail was listed extinct in 1996 after disappearing from the wild.
In 2020, a citizen scientist rediscovered the species in a hidden forest gully.
Researchers quickly launched a plan to prevent its final extinction.
Dozens of snails were moved to Taronga Zoo for captive breeding.
Early losses were high because the species is sensitive to stress and transport.
Despite setbacks, the population grew to more than 800 individuals.
In June, 600 snails were returned to Norfolk Island to begin reintroduction.
A mould outbreak killed many, leaving 340 survivors for release.
They were released into a carefully chosen valley matching their original habitat.
Early monitoring suggests the snails are dispersing and reproducing.
Baby snails have already been found in the wild.
Researchers now hope the species can fully recover.
Plans are underway to reintroduce more snails and update its extinction status.
