Protection Sought for Two Columbia River Basin Snails
Protection Sought for Two Columbia River Basin Snails Center for Biological Diversity
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Center for Biological Diversity Files Petition for Endangered Species Act Protections
PORTLAND, Ore.— The Center for Biological Diversity today filed a petition with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service seeking Endangered Species Act protections for the ashy pebblesnail and shortface lanx.
The two species of freshwater snail were once widespread throughout the Columbia Basin in Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. But the snails have disappeared from Montana and are now living in scattered and isolated populations in the remaining three states.
Importance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
“These little snails speak volumes about how poorly we’ve treated our Pacific Northwest rivers, which desperately need stronger protections,” said Noah Greenwald, endangered species director at the Center for Biological Diversity. “They also play important roles in the web of life, helping to keep streams clean and providing food for our beloved salmon.”
Description of Ashy Pebblesnail and Shortface Lanx
Ashy pebblesnails are small, tan or reddish snails with pale circles around their tentacled eyes. The shortface lanx is sometimes referred to as the giant Columbia River limpet for its characteristic cone, volcano shape and its propensity to attach itself to rocks on river-bottoms.
Threats and Disappearance
Found in large streams with clean, cold and fast-moving water, the ashy pebblesnail and shortface lanx have disappeared from many rivers, including the Willamette, Wenatchee, Clark Fork, Spokane, Kootenay and many more. The snails are threatened by dams, agriculture, urbanization, logging and other threats.
Impact of Climate Change
On top of all these harms, climate change is leading to increased stream temperatures across the region. The shortface lanx has already disappeared from the Hanford Reach of the Columbia where it was once common and has been replaced by snail species more typical of warm waters. This warming could spell the end of not just the snails, but many populations of salmon and steelhead that also need clean, cold water.
Call for Stronger River Protections
“If these snails are to survive in our rapidly warming world, we need to do much, much more to protect rivers,” said Greenwald. “Last year’s Sackett decision by the Supreme Court removed protections for roughly half the wetlands across the country. Undoing this disastrous decision is a badly needed start, but we ultimately need even more protections if we’re going to keep our rivers clean and cold in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.”
Endangered Species Act and River Conservation
The Endangered Species Act requires the Service to respond to the petition within one year, though the agency rarely meets this deadline. Protecting these two snails will help protect some of the healthiest remaining rivers in the region, including the Salmon, Methow, Owyhee, Grande Rhonde and Hanford Reach of the Columbia, among others.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species | – Petition filed with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service seeking Endangered Species Act protections for the ashy pebblesnail and shortface lanx – The ashy pebblesnail and shortface lanx have disappeared from Montana and are now living in scattered and isolated populations in Oregon, Idaho, and Washington – The snails are threatened by dams, agriculture, urbanization, logging, and other threats |
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | Target 6.6: Protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers, and lakes | – The ashy pebblesnail and shortface lanx are found in large streams with clean, cold, and fast-moving water – The snails have disappeared from many rivers due to various threats including dams, agriculture, urbanization, logging, and climate change |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | – Climate change is leading to increased stream temperatures across the region, which threatens the survival of the shortface lanx and other species that rely on clean, cold water – The shortface lanx has already disappeared from certain areas due to warming temperatures |
| SDG 14: Life Below Water | Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution | N/A |
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Source: biologicaldiversity.org
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