The Tasmanian Government is undertaking a conservation project to save a small snail named after Sir David Attenborough, threatened by habitat loss and damage.
Found only in rainforests on the Tasman and Forestier Peninsulas in the State's southeast, the Attenborougharion rubicundus was named in honour of the larger-than-life biologist by the Australian Museum in 2017.
Minister for the Environment, Madeleine Ogilvie, said that the Tasmanian Government was committed to the conservation of native wildlife, both big and small.
"The range of Sir David's snail – its area of habitation – is extremely small, and was affected by bushfires in years past," Minister Ogilvie said.
"The project will involve both a survey on the status, distribution and threats to the snail, and the development of practical management strategies to ensure its survival.
"While the snail may be small, it's ours, and was named in honour of a biologist cherished by many Australians, so we want it to continue to thrive in our beautiful rainforests."
Also known as the Burgundy snail, the Attenborougharion rubicundus is a semi-slug – a snail with a shell so small that it cannot retract into it.
Carrying out the project will be NRM South, one of 54 natural resource management organisations in Australia and one of three in Tasmania.
The $50,000 project is one of seven being funded as part of the $400,000 first round of the four-year and $8 million Threatened Species Fund, a key part of the 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future.
Other projects being funded as part of the first round relate to Rubicon Sanctuary, Southport heath, Morrisby's gum, Miena cider gum, Woodland Birds on Bruny Island, and saltmarsh restoration at Burdens Marsh.
