Pune has seen a concerning 27% drop in its snail biodiversity, a trend primarily driven by rapid urbanization, according to a recent study published in the Biodiversity journal in September 2024. This significant decline highlights the negative effects of increasing pollution levels, including urban runoff, sewage influx, and garbage dumping, on the city’s aquatic ecosystems.
The study, led by researchers Akash Bagade, Sameer Padhye, Mihir R Kulkarni, Saurabh Khandare, Abhay Khandagle, N A Aravind, and Yugandhar Shinde, collected samples from 24 urban locations, including the Mula-Mutha, Pawana, and Indrayani rivers, between 2021 and 2023. They recorded 16 snail species, down from 22 species documented in earlier surveys from 1963 and 1979. A significant portion—41%—of the observed species were rare, with Racesina luteola emerging as the most common.
The study also uncovered the presence of three invasive species, including Physella acuta and Amerianna carinata, particularly in the Mutha River. While specialist species such as Paludomus sp. and Paracrostoma sp. have declined due to pollution and habitat destruction, generalist species like Racesina luteola have adapted and thrived in polluted environments. Sameer Padhye, one of the lead researchers, pointed out that gastropods, or snails, are essential indicators of freshwater ecosystem health. Their decline signals the deteriorating condition of Pune’s rivers, emphasizing the need for stronger pollution management. The study calls for urban policymakers and residents to recognize the impact of urbanization and invasive species on local biodiversity and urges the preservation of freshwater habitats. By addressing these issues, Pune could reverse biodiversity loss, benefiting not only the ecosystem but also the quality of life for urban residents dependent on these water resources.
