Watch a rare snail lay eggs from its… neck

A rare New Zealand mountain snail, Augustus, has been filmed for the first time laying eggs from its neck. The discovery opens up the possibility of further research into the critically endangered species.

The giant Powelliphanta augusta, or Augustus mountain snail, is critically endangered due to coal mining on the South Island.

They were removed from their natural habitat on Mount Augustus nearly 20 years ago and kept in controlled refrigeration. However, their reproduction process remains a mystery to this day.

Conservation ranger Lisa Flanagan recently said she was surprised to discover reproductive behavior while weighing a snail.

"We turned the snail over and saw the egg sticking out of its neck. This was the first time we had recorded this action since we started caring for the snail," she shared.

Amazing image of snail laying eggs from its neck - Photo: Lisa Flanagan/New Zealand Department of Conservation

According to The Guardian (UK), the Augustus mountain snail is one of the largest snails in the world , about the size of a golf ball and is only found in New Zealand.

They grow slowly and can live for decades. Some in captivity are said to live between 25 and 35 years. They feed mainly on slugs and earthworms, slurping them down like spaghetti.

A previous freezing incident caused by faulty heating equipment in 2011 killed 800 Augustus mountain snails. There are now fewer than 2,000 left in captivity, with a handful released into the wild in New Zealand.

TTXVN - MINH ANH

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/xem-loai-oc-sen-quy-hiem-de-trung-tu-co-20250508182807282.htm