Highlights – rare and endemic species found in Eryri
Lesser horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros): One of the smaller species of bat found in the UK, Eryri is a stronghold of the lesser horseshoe bat, accounting for over 25% of the total UK population. Although originally cave dwellers, the lesser horseshoe bat has adapted and summer colonies are now usually found in the roofs of large rural houses and outbuildings.
Freshwater Pearl Mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera): The freshwater pearl mussel has a black or dark brown shell, grows to 15cm in length and is renowned for producing dark coloured pearls. Few populations are known in Eryri despite historical records dating back for many centuries.
Glutinous Snail (Myxas glutinosa): A small freshwater snail, the glutinous snail is one of the rarest in Europe. Thought to be extinct in Wales, it was rediscovered at Llyn Tegid in 1998, in an area where it had not been seen since 1952. This is now thought to be the only viable population within Eryri.
Y Gwyniad (Coregonus pennantii): Coregonus lavaretus are a species of whitefish known locally as Y gwyniad, and are thought to be present in only one lake throughout Eryri, at Llyn Tegid in Bala.
Snowdon Beetle (Chrysolina cerealis): The small Snowdon beetle has a brightly coloured red, gold, green and blue striped elytra which accounts for its European name, the Rainbow leaf beetle. Despite a relative abundance of suitable habitat within the National Park, the beetle is only found in a handful of sites on Yr Wyddfa itself, and perhaps Cwm Idwal.
Snowdon Lily (Lloydia serotina): The Snowdon lily is a delicate, arctic-alpine flowering plant which has grass like leaves. Although it has widespread distribution in alpine and arctic regions, Eryri is its only known location within the UK
Find out more about our rare and wonderful species here
