Shy, cannibalistic snail seeks mate

Kauri snail

This kauri snail on the steps of the Ross Track in Parihaka caught the eye of Lorna Drake.

It's quite likely heavy rain brought the rare creature out of hiding either to find a mate - or to eat a mate - last week. Mating by the kauri snail is probably triggered by climatic conditions such as rainfall, and can last for 10 hours or more.

It is one of the world's few carnivorous and cannibalistic snails. Its diet consists of earthworms, insects, insect larvae, and other snails.

Have you come across any of Northland's rare fauna? Let us know your experience and send any photographs to reporters@northernadvocate.co.nz.

This species of endangered or threatened kauri snail [Paryphanta busbyi] grows up to 79mm shell diameter and is found only in Northland as far north as Kaitaia, though sightings are rare. A close cousin-species lives in the Far North.

Kauri snail hatchlings spend an unknown period living in trees and shrubs up to six metres above the ground. The adults are highly mobile, and have been known to move 10 metres in two weeks.

Kauri snails live in moist, fertile ground in forest and native scrub, not necessarily among kauri trees. The population demise is due to habitat destruction caused by humans and domestic and feral animals.