Báo Tuổi Trẻ•08/05/2025The giant snail species Powelliphanta augusta, or Augustus mountain snail, is critically endangered due to coal mining activities on the South Island.
They were moved from their natural habitat in Mount Agustus nearly 20 years ago and raised in controlled, refrigerated containers. However, their reproductive process remains a mystery to this day.
Conservation ranger Lisa Flanagan recently said she was surprised to discover the reproductive behavior while weighing a snail.
"We turned the snail over and saw the egg protruding from its neck. This is the first time we've observed this behavior since we started caring for the snails," she shared.
The image of a snail laying eggs from its neck is astonishing - Photo: Lisa Flanagan/New Zealand Department of Conservation.
According to The Guardian (UK), the Augustus mountain snail is one of the largest snail species in the world , nearly the size of a golf ball, and is found only in New Zealand.
They grow slowly and can live for decades. Some captive specimens are believed to be between 25 and 35 years old. They primarily eat slugs and earthworms, slurping them up like people eat spaghetti.
Previously, a freezing incident caused by a faulty heating device in 2011 resulted in the death of 800 Augustus mountain snails. Currently, fewer than 2,000 remain in captivity, along with a small number released back into the wild in New Zealand.
VNA - MINH ANH
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/xem-loai-oc-sen-quy-hiem-de-trung-tu-co-20250508182807282.htm
![[Video] Sunset at Lap An Lagoon – Where the sun sets over the fishing nets](https://vphoto.vietnam.vn/thumb/1200x675/vietnam/resource/IMAGE/2026/05/31/1780192137701_beach-landscape-sea-water-nature-grass-745871-pxhere-com.jpeg)
Comment (0)