In 1955, Hawaii released a cannibal snail to control another invasive snail, but the predator instead helped push the islands’ rare native tree snails toward extinction

Hawaii introduced a predatory snail in 1955 to control pests, which then devastated native tree snails.

Scientists now operate a snail emergency room to protect the remaining species.

These colorful kāhuli snails were once abundant and culturally significant to Hawaiians.

Captive breeding is slow, and efforts focus on predator-proof fences for reintroduction.

Conservationists strive to prevent further extinctions, highlighting a global trend of human-induced endangerment.