THEY may be small but they have handed Marwell Zoo a big responsibility.
The Partula snail is extinct in its native south Pacific islands.
The zoo at Colden Common has recently accepted a colony of 150 of the molluscs - half the world's entire population.
Geoff Read, section manager of invertebrates, said he is thrilled to have the snails in his care.
"I'm very proud to be part of such an important conservation project. Everyone likes cuddly animals but it's time we learned to appreciate the more curious creatures of our planet.
Mr Read added: "Snails are oddities of the animal world.
"They have one foot and carry their house on their backs.
"We all know about the big charismatic animals but these little molluscs are just as important to us."
The snails will be on show at Marwell in 2007.
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