Latest news with #NewZealandDepartmentofConservation
The Star
23-05-2025
- Science
- The Star
Footage of rare snail laying an egg from its neck captured for the first time
A Powelliphanta augusta snail laying an egg from its neck at the Hokitika nnail housing facility. — LISA FLANAGAN/New Zealand Department of Conservation/AP The strange reproductive habits of a large, carnivorous New Zealand snail were once shrouded in mystery. Now footage of the snail laying an egg from its neck has been captured for the first time, the country's conservation agency said. What looks like a tiny hen's egg is seen emerging from an opening below the head of the Powelliphanta augusta snail, a threatened species endemic to New Zealand. The video was taken at a facility on the South Island's West Coast, where conservation rangers attempting to save the species from extinction have cared for a population of the snails in chilled containers for nearly two decades. The conditions in the containers mimic the alpine weather in their only former habitat – a remote mountain they were named for, on the west coast of the South Island, that has been engulfed by mining. Lisa Flanagan from the Department of Conservation, who has worked with the creatures for 12 years, said the species still holds surprises. 'It's remarkable that in all the time we've spent caring for the snails, this is the first time we've seen one lay an egg,' she said in a statement. Like other snails, Powelliphanta augusta are hermaphrodites, which explains how the creatures can reproduce when encased in a hard shell. The invertebrate uses a genital pore on the right side of its body, just below the head, to simultaneously exchange sperm with another snail, which is stored until each creates an egg. Each snail takes eight years to reach sexual maturity, after which it lays about five eggs a year. The egg can take more than a year to hatch. 'Some of our captive snails are between 25 and 30 years old,' said Flanagan. 'They're polar opposites to the pest garden snail we introduced to New Zealand, which is like a weed, with thousands of offspring each year and a short life.' The dozens of species and subspecies of Powelliphanta snails are only found in New Zealand, mostly in rugged forest and grassland settings where they are threatened by habitat loss. They are carnivores that slurp up earthworms like noodles, and are some of the world's largest snails, with oversized, distinctive shells in a range of rich earth colours and swirling patterns. The Powelliphanta augusta was the centre of public uproar and legal proceedings in the early 2000s, when an energy company's plans to mine for coal threatened to destroy the snails' habitat. Some 4,000 were removed from the site and relocated, while 2,000 more were housed in chilled storage in the West Coast town of Hokitika to ensure the preservation of the species, which is slow to breed and doesn't adapt well to new habitats. In 2011, some 800 of the snails accidentally died in a Department of Conservation refrigerator with faulty temperature control. But the species' slow survival continues: In March this year, there were nearly 1,900 snails and nearly 2,200 eggs in captivity, the conservation agency said. – AP
Yomiuri Shimbun
15-05-2025
- Science
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Rare N.Z. Snail Filmed for 1st Time Laying Egg from Its Neck
Lisa Flanagan / New Zealand Department of Conservation via AP A Powelliphanta augusta snail lays an egg from its neck at the Hokitika Snail Housing facility in Hokitika, New Zealand, in September 2024. WELLINGTON (AP) — The strange reproductive habits of a large, carnivorous New Zealand snail were once shrouded in mystery. Now footage of the snail laying an egg from its neck has been captured for the first time, the country's conservation agency said on May 7. What looks like a tiny hen's egg is seen emerging from an opening below the head of the Powelliphanta augusta snail, a threatened species endemic to New Zealand. The video was taken at a facility on the South Island's West Coast, where conservation rangers attempting to save the species from extinction have cared for a population of the snails in chilled containers for nearly two decades. The conditions in the containers mimic the alpine weather in their only former habitat — a remote mountain they were named for, on the West Coast of the South Island, that has been engulfed by mining. Observing their habits Lisa Flanagan from the Department of Conservation, who has worked with the creatures for 12 years, said the species still holds surprises. 'It's remarkable that in all the time we've spent caring for the snails, this is the first time we've seen one lay an egg,' she said in a statement. Like other snails, Powelliphanta augusta are hermaphrodites, which explains how the creatures can reproduce when encased in a hard shell. The invertebrate uses a genital pore on the right side of its body, just below the head, to simultaneously exchange sperm with another snail, which is stored until each creates an egg. Long but slow reproductive life Each snail takes eight years to reach sexual maturity, after which it lays about five eggs a year. The egg can take more than a year to hatch. 'Some of our captive snails are between 25 and 30 years old,' said Flanagan. 'They're polar opposites to the pest garden snail we introduced to New Zealand, which is like a weed, with thousands of offspring each year and a short life.' The dozens of species and subspecies of Powelliphanta snails are only found in New Zealand, mostly in rugged forest and grassland settings where they are threatened by habitat loss. They are carnivores that slurp up earthworms like noodles, and are some of the world's largest snails, with oversized, distinctive shells in a range of rich earth colors and swirling patterns. Political storm The Powelliphanta augusta was at the center of public uproar and legal proceedings in the early 2000s, when an energy company's plans to mine for coal threatened to destroy the snails' habitat. Some 4,000 were removed from the site and relocated, while 2,000 more were housed in chilled storage in the West Coast town of Hokitika to ensure the preservation of the species, which is slow to breed and doesn't adapt well to new habitats. In 2011, some 800 of the snails accidentally died in a Department of Conservation refrigerator with faulty temperature control. But the species' slow survival continues: In March this year, there were nearly 1,900 snails and nearly 2,200 eggs in captivity, the conservation agency said.
Miami Herald
17-04-2025
- Science
- Miami Herald
Rare species — named after Lord of the Rings character — found in New Zealand
In New Zealand, there is a rare species of fish with 'large eyes,' a short body and a 'preference for swampy habitats.' Noting its similarities to one of J.R.R. Tolkien's most iconic characters, some experts described the species, recognized as threatened and nationally vulnerable, as 'precious.' Now, a new population of Gollum galaxias — named after Gollum from 'The Lord of the Rings' — has been found thriving in the Waimatuku Stream, according to an April 14 news release from the New Zealand Department of Conservation. 'You might even say they're 'precious',' Hoffmann said. This is the first record of Gollums in the stream, according to the release. 'We're now looking at ways to find out more about their populations and ensure they can thrive here,' Hoffmann said. Gollums can range from gray to olive green and their speckled pattern makes them 'look like they've been dipped in gold metallic dust,' according to the Department of Conservation. They can reach over 5 inches in length, with most usually under 3 inches. The fish are also found in freshwater streams on Rakiura/Stewart Island. 'It's thought they got there during an ice age when a land bridge was present,' experts said in the release. The Gollums were recorded near Invercargill at the southern tip of New Zealand.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Farmer finds rare, critically endangered species while clearing pest traps: 'I was ... stunned'
A day in New Zealand's Ashburton Lakes region led to an unexpected discovery when farmer John Evans stumbled upon a new population of critically endangered Canterbury knobbled weevils, according to Miami Herald. The tiny beetles, once believed to be limited to a single site, were found clinging to speargrass plants as Evans was clearing pest traps in November. Evans took photos and shared them on a bug ID forum. Experts quickly responded. Weeks later, The New Zealand Department of Conservation confirmed the beetles were critically endangered Canterbury knobbled weevils. "I was like a stunned mullet when I learned these were such a rare species," Evans told Miami Herald. The Canterbury knobbled weevil is one of New Zealand's most elusive insects. Once thought to be extinct for nearly 100 years, it was rediscovered in 2004 at Burkes Pass, roughly 50 miles from Evans' recent find, according to the Department of Conservation. The weevils also face threats from invasive predators and the decline of their only food source, speargrass, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. A second population opens new doors for conservation. The DOC has put funding toward studying the Canterbury knobbled weevil, looking at its population size, habitat conditions, and potential threats. Researchers and conservationists plan to restore speargrass, manage invasive species, and monitor the weevils. Insect conservation supports soil health and food chains. A 2021 study from Nature Communications found that global insect declines impact pollination, soil health, and ecosystems. "At this stage, we don't yet know how big or secure the new population is," DOC science adviser Tara Murray told Miami Herald. "Both populations are small, so they could easily be wiped out by fire or a few years of bad growing conditions for the speargrass plants they rely on." Do you worry about pesticides in your food? All the time Sometimes Not really I only eat organic Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. The weevil's return signals hope for insect conservation in New Zealand. With continued conservation, the species has a chance to survive. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
