New Zealand Native Animals > Kauri Snail - Giant Land Snail

Kauri Snail - Giant Land Snail

Paryphanta spp.

ENDEMIC; RARE

DISTRIBUTION: Distributed along the western regions of both the North and South Islands. There are about 20 species which are more diverse in the south than the north, with at least 17 species endemic to the South Island.

HABITAT: Largely confined to native forest, especially beech (despite their name), and coastal scrub. Like most snails they are mainly active at night, spending most of the day hiding in crevices or under leaf litter.

BREEDING: Clutches of 20-50 dull white eggs are laid in a mulch covered nest on the ground.

FOOD: Most unusual in the snail world, kauri snails are carnivorous (only about 10% of the worlds snails are carnivores). Although they often hunt other snails and slugs, earthworms are their main prey.

GENERAL: Kauri snails look a little like ordinary garden snails but are much bigger. Early sightings report snails up to the size of a saucer, although average size is about 8cm across and 4cm high. They are threatened because of introduced predators, especially wild pigs.


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