A World in a Shell

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In an era marked by extinctions, the plight of snails often goes unnoticed, yet they are vanishing at an alarming rate. This work presents a collection of stories centered on Hawai‘i's snails, which once thrived with over 750 species, two-thirds of which are now extinct. The author journeys through forests, laboratories, museums, and military sites, engaging with scientists and Native Hawaiians to examine the intertwined processes of ecological and cultural loss, alongside threads of hope, care, mourning, and resilience. The narrative traces the decline of Hawaiian snails, influenced by deforestation for agriculture and timber, the nineteenth-century collecting frenzy by missionaries, and the impacts of introduced predators. It also interrogates how the loss of snails and conservation efforts are linked to broader themes of colonization, militarization, and globalization. These stories serve as a lens into the ongoing global shifts in environmental and cultural landscapes, highlighting the unnoticed extinction of many less charismatic species. Ultimately, the author aims to foster a sense of wonder and appreciation for our fragile planet, unveiling the rich possibilities and connections encapsulated within a snail’s shell.