During the presentation, the keepers went into detail about what it takes to run a programme like this. We learnt about the strict husbandry protocols they have to follow, like keeping the snails in carefully controlled, high-humidity tanks within a specific temperature range to replicate the Vietnamese rainforest. They explained that because these snails are hermaphrodites, with very specific breeding cycles, managing their reproduction is incredibly complex, especially since Longleat holds a small but vital part of the global captive population. We also discussed the severe threats they face in the wild, which include rapid habitat loss from deforestation and being targeted by poachers for the illegal exotic shell trade. 

Learning about all of this really brought our core A-Level biology topics on biodiversity and conservation to life. It gave us a brilliant, real-world case study of how ex-situ conservation works to maintain genetic diversity. We were able to see exactly how controlled breeding prevents endangered gene pools from dying out through genetic drift, with the ultimate goal of one day re-introducing them into protected wild habitats. 

The second half of the conference explored how conservationists around the world work to protect endangered species and preserve their habitats. We began by learning about the importance of keeping detailed animal records, which help monitor development, behaviour, medical history and changes in weight. These records are vital for animal welfare and research, as well as supporting successful breeding programmes. 

We then discovered how conservation is happening closer to home through Longleat’s pine marten project. After disappearing from the local area, pine martens have recently begun to return to Somerset, making the discovery of two individuals particularly exciting. Longleat’s 2,000 acres of mature woodland provide an ideal habitat for these elusive mammals, which can travel up to 140 km in search of mates and territories. They attached cameras to boxes to monitor the pine martens and can identify individuals by the unique markings on their bibs. One has even been nicknamed “Patch”! Alongside this, Longleat’s Schools Acorn Project encourages primary schools to grow and plant trees, helping to restore woodland habitats and inspiring the next generation to protect the environment. 

Subsequently, we focused on Costa Rica, where the Macaw Recovery Network is working to protect the great green macaw. These impressive birds rely on large trees, but decades of deforestation, particularly for cattle farming, have destroyed much of their rainforest habitat. The organisation combines breeding and releasing macaws into the wild with efforts to restore forests and support local communities. Women rangers receive training and scholarships to lead reforestation projects, such as creating a plant nursery, while local landowners are encouraged to adopt more sustainable farming methods. Through school visits, workshops and work experience opportunities, the project also helps educate young people about the importance of protecting biodiversity. 

We also heard from a carnivore keeper about wildlife conservation across Africa and the work of two charities, Tusk, and Lion Landscapes. Africa is home to around 20% of the world’s biodiversity, yet many species face increasing threats from habitat loss and conflict with humans. For example, Nairobi’s lions have lost 93% of their habitat, while elephants are sometimes poisoned by farmers trying to protect their land. Tusk supports conservation projects across 25 countries, working with more than 200 partners in Africa. These projects include transforming former cattle ranches into protected conservation areas, where black and white rhinos have been protected from poaching since 2016, as well as creating wildlife corridors in Sudan and Kenya to help elephants move safely between habitats. 

Lion Landscapes focusses on helping local communities and wildlife coexist. The charity supports education through school scholarships and works alongside schools, hospitals and other local organisations. It also uses camera traps to record wildlife sightings, rewarding farmers and communities for helping monitor animals. In addition, satellite tracking helps keep track of predators and protect livestock, reducing conflict between people and wildlife. These projects showed us how conservation can benefit both animals and the communities living alongside them. 

The conference highlighted how conservation relies on scientific research, education and cooperation to protect wildlife and was extremely insightful. 

After the conference, we headed to the Longleat drive-through Safari Park to see these evolutionary concepts working on a much bigger scale. During the drive, our Year 12 Biology prefects acted as our personal tour guides, pointing out active examples of the adaptations we were looking at. It was really helpful having someone call out the specific biological features to look out for as we passed each enclosure. They did a brilliant job keeping everyone engaged and explaining things in a way that made perfect sense.

The observations began in Big Game Park, which provided a perfect textbook example of resource partitioning; we watched the Nubian giraffes casually snacking from the highest tree canopies while the rhinos and zebras grazed the grass right below them, proving how different species occupy distinct ecological niches in the same habitat to avoid fighting over food. Moving into the spotted hyena enclosure, it was cool to see how they live in highly structured clans and use their insane jaw strength – a massive physical adaptation – to crush bones and scavenge whatever is left behind. The highlight of the drive, however, was cruising through Lion Country and Tiger Territory. Coming face-to-face with these huge cats immediately made all that theoretical knowledge regarding apex predator morphology and biomass transfer come to life, as seeing the sheer size and muscle power required to sustain these top carnivores puts the energy efficiency of food chains into perspective far better than a standard textbook diagram. Watching the tigers' pace right beside the windows gave us an appreciation for how these predators have evolved specialised adaptations for tracking and hunting prey. Seeing these animals up close was a great way to see real-world biology in action, and it beautifully demonstrated the immense value of applying our theoretical A-Level knowledge to the real world.  

After the exhilarating safari ride, we were given free time to explore the conservation park where we split into groups. Many of us chose to walk around each of the enclosures, such as the main Jungle Kingdom and Animal Adventure. Here we saw slender tailed meerkats, dikdiks, a giant burmese python, the cutest Fennec foxes and so much more. On the Jungle Cruise, many of us enjoyed an exciting boat ride alongside friendly sea lions, whilst also spotting a hippo pod (family) of hippopotamuses, western lowland gorillas and … the most adorable red pandas on arrival! That was the favourite part of almost everyone’s trip! Several of these enclosures are homes to critically endangered species which are part of the European Endangered Species Programme that Longleat Park takes part in. 

A HUGE thank you to the Biology teachers who made this trip such a memorable day! You can experience our journey by viewing the photo gallery of our trip!  

By Aafiyah, Anushka and Khadija - Year 12