A new population of the nationally threatened Smeagol sea slug, or “gravel maggot,” was discovered in Otago’s Akatore Creek estuary, 50 km south of Dunedin—only the fourth known population in New Zealand. Measuring just 8 mm and living buried 30 cm–1 m under gravel, this elusive mollusc is almost impossible to spot with traditional surveys.
Wilderlab used cutting-edge environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis to detect the slugs, revealing not only their presence but also a slightly different genetic signature, suggesting this population could represent a new species.
This discovery highlights the power of eDNA to uncover hidden biodiversity and inform conservation efforts for cryptic, threatened species.
Learn more: Scoop: Rare “Smeagol” Sea Slug Population Discovered
