UK scientists are working to save one of the world's most beautiful snails¹ which is at risk of extinction³ due to the popularity of their striking shells.

The snails, known as Polymita, are endemic to Eastern Cuba and feature shells with vibrant⁴ colours and interesting patterns.

The shells come in many different colours, from yellow and pink to red and black.

But these patterned shells have become popular among collectors and poachers who sell the shells to tourists or trade them overseas.

Despite it being illegal to remove these snails from their native habitat under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, it has not stopped the international trade of the shells.

Researchers from London Zoo and the University of Nottingham have travelled to Cuba to meet local scientists to assess the conservation status of the six vulnerable painted snails, as well as better understand their evolution and how to breed them. The Polymita sulphurosa snail², which has a lime green, blue and yellow shell, is considered the most endangered of the species and is at risk of extinction.

There are believed to be fewer than 30,000 remaining in the coastal⁵ forests of Cuba, which is the only place they live.