Two Tiny Snail Species Discovered in Montenegro Amid Hydropower Threat

Scientists have identified two previously unknown snail species in Montenegro, underscoring that even well‑studied regions like Europe still harbor undiscovered biodiversity. The smaller of the two resides in Komarnica Canyon, a habitat currently under threat from a proposed hydropower reservoir. The construction of the reservoir could destroy the canyon’s ecosystem before its full biological diversity is documented. The discovery highlights the urgent need to assess and protect vulnerable habitats in the face of development projects. It also illustrates how new species can be found in seemingly familiar landscapes, reminding researchers and policymakers that conservation decisions must consider the possibility of unknown organisms.