Powelliphanta sp., Pohangina headwaters

On the last day of the whio survey in the Pohangina headwaters just before Christmas, we checked the uppermost reaches of the river. I picked a few rocks out of the river to see what sort of fauna was living there; Nathan had just started doing likewise when he found this beautiful native snail submerged in the stream. These Powelliphanta spp. are terrestrial animals, and if Nathan hadn't rescued it, it would surely have drowned.

We photographed it, then Nathan carefully placed it in patch of scrub where we trust it lived at least a little longer.

Apologies for the hiatus between postings. My ISP turned a simple change of plan into a fiasco that left me without a home Internet connection AND without a landline for 16 days. Normal service has resumed.


[19 December 2012, Panasonic Lumix GH1, 14–45 mm at 45 mm, ISO 400, 1/80 at f5.6] 


All content © 2013 Pete McGregor