Chivita Snail Population Crisis in Bacalar Lagoon

Over the past decade, the Chivita snail population in Bacalar Lagoon has seen a significant decrease. The Chivita snail, or Pomacea flagellata, is a freshwater mollusk native to the Yucatan Peninsula. According to The Southern Border College (ECOSUR), the population has shrunk by nearly 90%, from over 5,000 individuals in 2012 to just 283 in 2022. Dr. Alberto Navarrete, a researcher from ECOSUR's Systematic and Aquatic Ecology Department, warned last year that the Chivita snail could vanish from Bacalar Lagoon in less than eight years.

ABOUT THE CHIVITA SNAIL
The Chivita snail is known for its globular shell, adorned with bands of dark brown and beige, which helps it blend into the bottoms of bodies of water. It can grow up to 7 centimeters and plays a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems. Often referred to as a "natural cleaner," the Chivita snail consumes organic remains and algae in its environment. It also forms part of the diet for birds like the Snail Kite and helps maintain the ecological balance of the lagoon.

REASONS FOR THE DECLINE
Several factors contribute to the decline of this species:

1. Dock construction and tourism development: These activities destroy the snail's habitats and breeding grounds.
2. Poaching: Despite its importance to the ecosystem, the Chivita snail has been exploited without regulation.
3. Environmental changes and pollution: Events like the 2021 Cristobal storm caused runoffs loaded with agrochemicals to flow into the lagoon.

To combat these threats, experts suggest implementing reproductive bans, regulating water tourism, and protecting the snail's habitat. They also recommend adding the Chivita snail to the NOM-059 list of endangered species and developing more effective conservation strategies. These measures could help ensure the recovery of this species and prevent its extinction.