The location of this vulnerable species was made possible thanks to the observation of a citizen.

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The Species Protection Service has been able to identify, thanks to the notification of a citizen, a specimen of a marine snail (Charonia lampas) in the marine reserve of El Toro, in Calvià. This marine invertebrate is one of the three that are catalogued as endangered in the Balearic Islands. Together with the Mediterranean reef (Dendropoma lebeche), the sea conch is considered vulnerable, while the nacre (Pinna nobilis) is critically endangered.

The technical staff in charge of the documentation and conservation of these species would like to thank the cooperation and good work of the observer who gave the warning, as she did so by attaching a photograph and without touching or disturbing the animal.

The Service points out that finding seashells at a depth of 20 metres, like this specimen, is “very rare”. It should be remembered, on the other hand, that this species has suffered a lot of pressure since it was collected for its ornamental value, a practice that is currently prohibited, as is its possession, as it is an endangered species.

In order to continue detecting endangered marine invertebrates, Species Protection appeals to the public for help and reminds them that observations can be communicated by e-mail to especies@dgcapea.caib.es, by telephone on 971 176 586 or by instant messaging on 606 875 244. It is important to include the location of the specimen and a photograph whenever possible.

The conservation of the sea conch, the Mediterranean reef and the nacre is part of the Plan for the recovery and conservation of marine invertebrates in the Balearic Islands, which proposes actions aimed at collecting data and completing information to be able to monitor the evolution of the populations.

This Plan also contemplates verifying the state of the populations of Norway lobster, lobster, Mediterranean madrerepora, red coral, red gorgonia, nacra rugosa and spider crab. Although these species are not listed as endangered, they are in a situation of danger.