Zürich Creates New Pond for Endangered Species

The University of Zürich and the Canton of Zürich constructed a new pond on the Irchel campus in Switzerland to relocate endangered Bauchige Schnauzenschnecken snails and Wasserfeder water plants. University construction will eliminate the species’ existing habitats. Quadra GmbH designed the pond with varying depths and plants to mimic the previous environment and potentially improve conditions.

The Bauchige Schnauzenschnecken, listed as threatened, grow to only eight millimeters in size and often live on the Wasserfeder. Moving the species presents challenges, as there is limited knowledge about successfully relocating them. The project team first transplanted plants, then the snails, and plans further relocations as vegetation establishes.

Ongoing maintenance includes monitoring water levels and quality, with future work focused on attracting amphibians, dragonflies, wild bees, and small mammals. The long-term success of establishing a diverse ecosystem around the new pond remains to be seen.