Ned, the unique snail with a left-coiling shell.
A nationwide search has been launched in New Zealand for a mate for Ned, a rare snail whose shell coils counter-clockwise—a highly unusual trait for his species. This unique characteristic makes finding a compatible partner a significant challenge for the small mollusk.
Ned was initially discovered by Giselle Clarkson in her garden in the Wairarapa region. Clarkson noticed his distinctive shell structure after he fell from a plant she was pulling out. She quickly realized she had found a rare «left-handed» specimen, a discovery that captivated local scientific interest.
Due to the specific anatomy of snails, Ned requires a partner with an identical counter-clockwise shell orientation for successful reproduction. The probability of finding such a snail is extremely low—approximately one in 40,000 individuals—making this quest akin to searching for a needle in a haystack.
Recognizing the rarity and importance of this find, New Zealand Geographic has initiated a public campaign. Residents are urged to explore their gardens and parks on warm, damp evenings in search of other rare snails with the same unique shell coiling. Photographs of any discoveries are requested to be sent to a dedicated email address specifically set up for Ned`s matchmaking efforts, hoping to secure a future for this remarkable creature.
