One of Australia’s smallest native species is making a big impression, with Robert Irwin’s Banded Snail now on display for the first time in Robert’s Reptile House, at Australia Zoo.
Named in honour of global conservationist Robert Irwin in 2024 following a groundbreaking PhD study by Dr. Lorelle Stanisic, Dr. John Stanisic OAM and Dr. Frank Köhler, in collaboration with Queensland Museum and Griffith University, the eastern Queensland land snail is now on display at Australia Zoo, where guests can admire the species and learn about its vital role in Australia’s ecosystems.
Found only in parts of South East Queensland, Robert’s snail is a conservation success story that reminds us to protect even our smallest native species.
Robert Irwin said, “Having a species of land snail named after me was an incredible honour, and it’s really exciting to now have them reside here at Australia Zoo. Australia’s invertebrates are often overlooked, but they serve an important role in keeping our ecosystems healthy.”
A colony of ten land snails is now thriving in Robert’s Reptile House, where the team has carefully recreated their natural habitat to provide the specialised conditions these delicate molluscs need to flourish.
Nathan Russell, Reptile Keeper at Australia Zoo said, “Despite their small size, land snails perform an enormous ecological role. They help break down leaf litter and other organic material, recycling nutrients back into the soil where plants thrive. In turn, they support healthy forests and provide food for a wide range of native wildlife.”
“Successfully breeding Robert Irwin’s Banded Snail in human care has been a rewarding milestone for the Australia Zoo team, further strenghtening our appreciation for Australia’s lesser-known native species,” said Nathan.
Robert’s snail joins a unique family legacy as the latest species named in honour of the Irwin family. It follows Steve Irwin’s Treesnail, named in tribute to the original Wildlife Warrior, Steve Irwin; Bindi Irwin’s Pinwheel Snail, a tiny charopid land snail named after Bindi; and a red-striped rainforest snail from North Queensland named in honour of Terri.
Steve Irwin was passionate about helping people understand that every creature deserves respect, whether it’s a crocodile, a snake, or an often overlooked invertebrate. Today, Robert and the Irwin family continue that legacy by inspiring peoiple to appreciate and protect wildlife of every shape and size!
Visitors to Robert’s Reptile House can now check out these adorable snails who share their home with a stunning green python, learning firsthand why even the smallest native species play such an important role in our environment.
