Hawaiian Tree Snails: Unique and Endangered

Hawaiian tree snails, particularly the kahuli, represent a unique species vital to Hawaii's ecosystem. Once abundant across the islands, their population has drastically declined due to human activities, with roughly half of the original 750 species now extinct. These snails play a crucial role in maintaining their habitat by feeding on fungi that grow on leaves, which helps recycle nutrients in the ecosystem. The loss of these snails not only diminishes biodiversity but also disrupts the health of native trees and the broader environmental balance.