Observations on Growth Rates and Maturity in an Introduced Population of the Roman Snail (Helix pomatiaLinnaeus, 1758) at a Semi-Natural Site with no Natural Population (original) (raw)

The study investigates the growth rates and maturation of an introduced population of the Roman snail (Helix pomatia) in a modified semi-natural site where no natural population previously existed. Over the period from 2011 to 2015, juveniles reared in greenhouses were released into a specially curated habitat designed to support their survival and eventual breeding. The results indicate that the introduced population can reach legally harvestable sizes and suggests that such introductions may aid in establishing sustainable snail populations in the face of ongoing exploitation.