Ned the snail, whose shell coils counter-clockwise.
A nationwide search has been launched in New Zealand for a compatible partner for Ned, a rare snail distinguished by its shell coiling counter-clockwise. This unique quest was reported by New Zealand Geographic.
The unusual gastropod was discovered by Giselle Clarkson in her garden, located in the Wairarapa region.
Clarkson recounted her initial encounter with Ned to the publication: “I was pulling out a large plant when the snail fell to the ground. Upon picking it up, I immediately noticed something was out of the ordinary. My first thought was that it might be a different species entirely, but I soon realized I had stumbled upon a rare `left-handed` specimen.”
The primary challenge in finding a mate for Ned lies in its unique anatomical structure. Due to the sinistral (counter-clockwise) coiling of its shell, Ned requires a partner with an identical shell orientation for successful mating. The odds of finding such a specific match are remarkably low, estimated at a mere one in 40,000 snails.
In response to this rare find, New Zealand Geographic has initiated a public campaign. Residents across the country are encouraged to diligently search their gardens and local parks during warm, damp evenings, keeping an eye out for these elusive, left-coiling snails. The organization has set up a dedicated email address for Ned, asking anyone who believes they have found a potential mate to send in photographs of their discovery.
Rupert Blackwood 
Clement Ashworth