Get to Know Your Slimy Neighbors: Desert Snails in Arizona

Most folks wouldn't know it, but Arizona has about 200 native species of mollusks! From tiny springsnails to quarter-sized talussnails, our diverse mollusk species are found from low deserts and canyons up into the forested highlands and sky islands. Most of our snail populations are relics of the last ice age – or perhaps even longer. In this Speaker Series talk, Jeff Sorensen —the "Snail Guy" with Arizona Game and Fish Department — will provide an introduction to our smallest neighbors and discuss their life history, habitat, threats, conservation needs, and survey efforts.

Doors open at 6:30pm.

*The event is free but space is limited and registration is required to attend.

Masks suggested in the building.

The talk will be live-streamed to our YouTube channel for those not able to attend in person.

Jeff Sorensen is the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s “Snail Guy”– the Invertebrate Wildlife Program Manager. Jeff completed his Bachelors of Science degree at Northern Arizona University in 1990, and his Masters in Conservation Biology at Arizona State University in 2000. He has spent most of his 30+ years with Game & Fish working on various fish and wildlife projects throughout the state. Over the past seven years, Jeff has focused on mollusk conservation statewide. He works closely with volunteers and partner agencies and organizations in developing and implementing conservation agreements for native snails and exploring Arizona’s natural habitats in search of our tiny mollusk neighbors. Jeff lives in Phoenix with his wife, Joy Hernbrode, and son Hayden.

Host or Publisher Natural History Institute