Researchers have discovered two previously unknown species of tiny snails in the mountains of Montenegro, with shells measuring only about six millimeters in length, according to infohub.kz.
The main feature of these mollusks is a special round plate on the rear part of their bodies. When the snail retreats into its shell, this structure tightly seals the entrance like a door, protecting it from predators. In addition, their eyes are located not at the tips of their "horns" but on the sides of their heads.
Both species inhabit limestone rocks and feed on algae and lichens. One was named Cochlostoma dobrido after the Dobri Do plateau. The second species was named Cochlostoma komarnica after the Komarnica canyon.
The find proves that even in well-studied Europe, animals unknown to science still exist.
Biologists are alarmed by plans to build a hydroelectric power plant in the Komarnica canyon. Flooding the area could completely destroy the rare ecosystem and all its inhabitants. Environmentalists are calling for the hydropower project to be abandoned and for the canyon to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage list to preserve the region's unique nature.