11005-03102 Flax snail, or pūpū whakarongotau (Placostylus ambagiosus keenorum) adult of the subspecies from the Maungapiko Pa population, on a nikau frond leaf base. The original native forest habitat of flax snails on the northern Aupouri Peninsula has been so greatly reduced that only about 3% of the original forest cover now remains. All nine subspecies of P. ambagiosus currently recognised, are critically endangered because of their very small, fragmented populations, their susceptibility to predation by pigs, rats and Argentine ants, as well as the continual threat of fire and drought. Spirits Bay, Northland *
DSC_5089 Minute land snail (Thalassohelix igniflua) Otago Peninsula *
11005-03604 Minute 'hairy' land snail (Suteria ide) shell covered in tiny gold hairs, possibly as protection from some invertebrate predators, though some authorities believe they reduce the amount of dirt and water that adheres to the shell. Pleasant Flat, Haast River Valley *
