Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Researchers form Indonesia have discovered a new species of land snail in the remote karst forests of Bacan Island, North Maluku. The species, named Diancta batubacan, was found during an extensive biodiversity survey conducted by scientists from Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and the University of Muhammadiyah North Maluku.
The research team conducted fieldwork between 2022 and 2024, exploring five diverse sites ranging from home gardens and shrubland to humid and biologically rich karst forest ecosystems. The study yielded 555 land snail specimens, which were identified as belonging to 27 species from 11 families.
The most striking discovery was a newly identified species of land snail, named Diancta batubacan. Its name is derived from “Batu Bacan,” a precious gemstone native to the island, underscoring the species’ local roots and the region’s unique geological identity.
“This discovery is significant because it highlights Bacan Island as a vital habitat for Indonesia’s terrestrial biodiversity, including lesser-known species like land snails,” said Ayu Savitri Nurinsiyah, the BRIN researcher who led the expedition.
Measuring just 5.4 millimeters in length, Diancta batubacan has a pale white, bulbous shell with a uniquely round aperture. It resides in the karst forests, which are characterized by rugged limestone formations and high levels of endemism.
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Beyond their scientific interest, land snails play essential roles in forest ecosystems. They contribute to nutrient recycling, aid in the decomposition of organic material, and help distribute fungal spores. However, their sensitivity to environmental change makes them reliable indicators of habitat degradation.
“Land snail diversity is highly influenced by changes in forest cover and soil conditions such as moisture, pH, and litter depth,” the study noted.
This surveys confirmed that forested karst areas support especially high snail diversity. “This underscores the critical role of karst forests in sustaining land snail populations,” Ayu added.
The discovery of Diancta batubacan not only adds to the scientific record but also highlights the urgent need for conservation in the Wallacea region, a biogeographical zone that bridges the wildlife of Asia and Australasia.
The finding of new land snail species Diancta batubacan is not only a scientific milestone but also a powerful symbol of the urgent need for conservation in Indonesia. “There is still so much biodiversity in the area that remains undiscovered,” said Ayu.
(Raidi/Agung)
