Rare left-handed snail sparks nationwide search for a mate

In New Zealand, an unusual discovery was made in a garden, as a rare snail named Ned was found by Giselle Clarkson while she was digging in her backyard in Wairarapa, north of Wellington. This unique snail is characterized by its left-spiraling shell, a genetic condition that occurs in only one out of 40,000 common garden snails, known as corno espersum. Due to his atypical shell structure, Ned faces significant challenges in finding a suitable mate, as his reproductive organs do not align with those of most other snails. The unusual situation surrounding Ned has led Giselle to take on a guardian role, protecting him from predators such as birds by keeping him safe in a specially designed fish tank at her home. She hopes to provide him not only with shelter but also with the prospect of meeting a compatible partner. To assist in this urgent quest for love, Clarkson has taken the initiative to inspire both the young and old in New Zealand to engage with nature through a practice she coined 'observology,' which refers to 'the science of looking.' This concept emerged from her work and research on the natural environment, with the aim of encouraging individuals to pay closer attention to the diverse forms of life that inhabit their surroundings. The idea behind observology is that by fostering a connection with nature, people may become more adept at noticing unusual or rare specimens in their environment, much like the rare left-handed snail Ned. Clarkson believes that if more people can be inspired to observe their surroundings, there is a greater chance of finding another mate for Ned, thus giving him the opportunity to potentially reproduce and contribute to the species. Public interest and participation in this nationwide effort not only represent a heartfelt mission to help Ned but also reiterate the importance of recognizing biodiversity and the varied natural wonders that exist beyond our commonplace experiences. Furthermore, the quest for Ned's romantic companion symbolizes a broader connection between human beings and nature, illustrating that even the smallest creatures can evoke powerful emotions and collective efforts among communities. As she works to raise awareness about Ned's plight, Clarkson emphasizes that while finding a physical match might be possible, the compatibility factor amongst snails—much like in human relationships—will be crucial. In her own words, there is no guarantee that “sparks will fly” between any two snails once they encounter one another. Nevertheless, she remains hopeful that her campaign and the love of nature inherent in her fellow citizens will lead to a happy ending for Ned.