Two new snail species with door-like shell flaps found in Montenegro
Researchers identified two previously unknown snail species in Montenegro, both about 6 mm long with cone-shaped shells. They live on limestone rocks and have a unique tail disk that seals the shell opening. One species inhabits Komarnica Canyon, where a proposed dam could threaten its habitat.
The snails were found during citizen-science expeditions between 2018 and 2025, organized through a partnership that included international researchers, local students, and conservationists. Field teams initially couldn't tell the species were new; that became clear only after dissection and genetic analysis in a field laboratory. The names were chosen by vote at camp — one honoring the Dobri Do Plateau, the other the Komarnica Canyon.
Both species feed on algae and lichens growing on limestone surfaces. Their distinctive tail disk functions like a door, sealing the shell opening when the animal withdraws. Researchers note the Balkan region's canyons and mountains hold extensive, poorly explored biodiversity, with many species likely still undocumented.
This discovery could strengthen arguments for protecting Komarnica Canyon, as it demonstrates the area holds biodiversity not yet catalogued. If the proposed dam proceeds, unique species may vanish before being studied, which could influence public and policy discussions about hydropower's environmental costs. The involvement of citizen scientists may also encourage broader public engagement in fieldwork, potentially shaping how communities view their role in documenting and safeguarding natural heritage.