Pro Natura has declared the garden snail as the Animal of the Year 2025, emphasizing the critical need for soil protection. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the vital role soil organisms play in maintaining healthy ecosystems, which are essential for both nature and human life.
What: Stéphane Vitzthum
Recognizable by its distinctive brown-edged shell, the garden snail thrives in various Swiss environments, from forests to gardens. With two-thirds of the world’s known species residing in the soil, thes organisms contribute substantially to agricultural productivity, water filtration, and carbon storage, underscoring the importance of preserving our soil ecosystems.
The grove snail, or Cepaea nemoralis, plays a crucial role in maintaining soil health and biodiversity in switzerland. Known for its vibrant shell colors, ranging from light coral to dark streaked patterns, this snail species is a key player in the ecosystem, feeding on decaying plant matter and contributing to soil production. Each snail is bisexual,capable of producing both sperm and eggs,and after a unique mating ritual,they lay dozens of eggs in the ground. Though,environmental challenges such as heavy rainfall and drought can lead to critically important soil erosion,with Pro Natura reporting that improper agricultural practices affect 10% of arable land in Switzerland. As the country grapples with soil loss, the grove snail’s habitat highlights the urgent need for better soil conservation strategies.Switzerland’s biodiversity is under severe threat, with approximately 40% of the country’s snail species facing extinction due to environmental pollution, habitat loss, and climate change. Pro Natura, a leading environmental organization, emphasizes the urgent need for a national soil map and a comprehensive assessment of soil organisms to address these challenges. To combat this alarming trend, Pro Natura advocates for enduring land use through improved spatial planning and the promotion of biodiversity-kind green spaces in urban areas. Initiatives like “Aktion Hase & Co.” aim to implement soil conservation practices in agriculture, highlighting the critical role of molluscs in maintaining ecological balance. As Switzerland grapples with these pressing environmental issues, the call for action has never been more crucial.
Q&A with stéphane Vitzthum on the Importance of Garden Snails in Soil Conservation
Time.news Editor: Stéphane, Pro Natura has named the garden snail the Animal of the Year for 2025. What motivated this choice, and why do you beleive snails are pivotal to ecological health?
Stéphane vitzthum: The decision to highlight the garden snail was rooted in our mission to underscore the critical need for soil protection. Garden snails, particularly the grove snail (cepaea nemoralis), play an essential role in maintaining soil health and biodiversity. They help decompose organic matter, which enriches the soil essential for both agriculture and ecosystem stability. With two-thirds of the world’s known species living in the soil, the health of soil organisms directly impacts agricultural productivity and the overall condition of our environment.
Time.news Editor: Can you elaborate on the specific contributions of garden snails to soil ecosystems?
Stéphane vitzthum: Absolutely. Garden snails feed on decaying plant matter, which is crucial for nutrient cycling. Their digestive processes help break down complex organic materials into simpler compounds that enhance soil fertility. Furthermore, their presence indicates a balanced, biodiverse habitat, which is vital for water filtration and carbon storage—essential elements in tackling climate change.
Time.news Editor: What challenges do garden snails and other soil organisms face in Switzerland today?
Stéphane Vitzthum: Regrettably, various environmental challenges are threatening their populations. Heavy rainfall and drought conditions can exacerbate soil erosion, and improper agricultural practices have substantially impacted about 10% of arable land in Switzerland. Moreover, around 40% of our country’s snail species are at risk of extinction due to environmental pollution and habitat loss, primarily driven by climate change and industrial agriculture.
Time.news Editor: With these challenges in mind, what initiatives does Pro Natura recommend to safeguard these vital ecosystems?
Stéphane Vitzthum: Pro Natura advocates for a national soil map and thorough assessments of soil organisms to better understand and protect these habitats. We support enduring land use practices through improved spatial planning, especially promoting biodiversity-friendly green spaces in urban areas. Initiatives like “Aktion Hase & Co.” aim to implement sustainable soil conservation techniques in agriculture, highlighting the vital role of mollusks in maintaining ecological balance.
Time.news editor: For our readers who wish to contribute to soil conservation, what practical steps can they take in their own gardens or communities?
Stéphane Vitzthum: Individuals can play a critical role in supporting soil health by fostering environments conducive to garden snails and other soil organisms. This includes planting diverse flora, minimizing pesticide usage, and maintaining organic garden practices. Creating habitats such as mulch beds or leaving areas of vegetation undisturbed can provide shelter and food for snails.educating others about the significance of soil organisms is vital for building a community-focused approach to sustainability.
Time.news Editor: It’s inspiring to see proactive measures being taken. What can we expect from Pro Natura moving forward in light of these concerns?
Stéphane Vitzthum: We are committed to raising awareness and implementing actionable strategies for soil conservation. Through educational campaigns, collaborations with local farmers, and ongoing research, we aim to restore and maintain the health of our ecosystems. The recognition of garden snails as the Animal of the Year is just the beginning of what we hope to achieve in fostering a healthier environment for all life forms.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Stéphane, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that protecting garden snails is integral to safeguarding our ecosystems.
Stéphane Vitzthum: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important topic! It’s everyone’s duty to protect our soil and the diverse lives it sustains.