Smooth Grass Snail
VU

Smooth Grass Snail

Vallonia pulchella

UnknownLCEULCEU

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vallonia_pulchella

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Smooth Grass Snail faces severe population declines primarily due to agricultural intensification and habitat fragmentation across its European range. Intensive farming practices, including heavy pesticide use and frequent mowing of grasslands, directly eliminate both the snail and its food sources. Urban development and infrastructure expansion continue to fragment the calcareous grassland habitats essential for this species' survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Smooth Grass Snail inhabits short, dry calcareous grasslands, chalk downs, and limestone pavements across Europe. It requires well-drained soils with high calcium content and thrives in areas with sparse vegetation and exposed ground.

TERRESTRIAL· majorTERRESTRIAL· majorTERRESTRIAL· major

Threatened in Afghanistan

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Smooth Grass Snail classified as Vulnerable?
Smooth Grass Snail is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Smooth Grass Snail faces severe population declines primarily due to agricultural intensification and habitat fragmentation across its European range. Intensive farming practices, including heavy pesticide use and frequent mowing of grasslands, directly eliminate both the snail and its food sources. Urban development and infrastructure expansion continue to fragment the calcareous grassland habitats essential for this species' survival.
Where does Smooth Grass Snail live?
Smooth Grass Snail occurs in Afghanistan, Åland Islands, Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, and Australia (plus 64 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Smooth Grass Snail?
The main threats to Smooth Grass Snail are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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