Last Updated on February 5, 2024 by Aftab Tariq
Giant African Land Snail is a fascinating species in various parts of the world, particularly in East Africa. Its immense size, reaching 100 centimetres, distinguishes it as one of the largest snails globally.
In East Africa, these snails thrive in diverse climes and areas, making them significant in local ecosystems. The term “Giant African” aptly describes the substantial size of this land snail. Regrettably, these snails have become a pest in some places, posing challenges to the local environment.
Their adaptability to different environments has allowed them to establish themselves as a notable species in many regions worldwide.
The unique characteristics of the Giant African Land Snail make it a captivating subject for study and observation, showcasing the rich biodiversity present in various parts of the world.
The Giant African Snail (GAS) was initially found in Florida in the 1960s. It took ten years and $1 million to get rid of it. Although it made a comeback in 2011, the snail was successfully removed from Broward and Miami-Dade counties by 2021.
Snails carrying parasites pose a serious health risk as they can transmit meningitis to humans. These giant African land snails have a high reproductive rate, laying approximately 1,200 giant African land snail eggs annually, leading to rapid population growth.
Giant African Land Snail Scientific Name
The Giant African Land Snail has a scientific name, Achatina fulica, and belongs to the family Actinide. Its species name, fulica, has roots in both Greek and Latin. Another name for it is Lissachatina fulica.
This snail is unique among animals, with a distinctive agate pattern on its shell. It’s sometimes referred to as a type of waterfowl.
Scientists recognize various synonyms and subspecies, making it an interesting subject for study. The term “snail” describes its slow-moving nature, adding to the charm of this species in the animal kingdom.
Appearance of Giant African Land Snail
The Giant African Land Snail exhibits a noteworthy appearance with a body length ranging from 14.7 to 15.5 centimetres and a shell measuring around 10.75 centimetres. Recognized for its giant African land snail size, this creature surpasses that of its cousin, Achatina, making it a substantial presence.
It is comparable to the size of a man’s hand, making it a substantial creature that can be held comfortably in one’s palm. The distinctive shell, a defining feature of these snails, adds to their unique appearance.
With 3 body parts and 8 tentacles, the Giant African Land Snail stands out among other snails, making it a fascinating thing to observe in the realm of animals.
Behavior of Giant African Land Snail
The Giant African Land Snail exhibits interesting behavior in its natural environment. It navigates the world around it with a pair of eyes and tentacles.
These organs are crucial in sensing its surroundings helping the Giant African Land Snail detect food, shelter, and potential threats.
The snail’s shell provides protection, acting as a shield against the shades of the environment. In its quest for sustenance, the snail leaves a slime trail, marking its terrain in the soil. This behavior is characteristic of land snails like L. fulica, including the Giant African Land Snail.
Despite being a seemingly slow-moving creature, the snail actively engages with its environment, using its senses and protective mechanisms to thrive in its world.
Habitat of Giant African Land Snail
The Giant African Land Snail is a highly adaptable species with a worldwide habitat range.
Originating from East Africa, including countries like Kenya, Mozambique, Somalia, and Tanzania, it has reached various regions globally. This invasive species has been identified in Asia, the Caribbean, and South America.
The snail’s presence is not limited to natural habitats; it can be found in cities, shrublands, and wetlands. Interestingly, the Giant African Land Snail has hitched rides on cargo ships, spreading to new countries and continents.
The snail’s versatility in adapting to different environments, including forests, rivers, and coastlines, has contributed to its widespread distribution.
It has become a concern in some areas as its population increases, impacting local ecosystems. Whether in the wild or closer to human settlements, the Giant African Land Snail has established itself in hundreds of countries, proving to be a resilient and pervasive species worldwide.
Diet of Giant African Land Snail
The Giant African Land Snail has a diverse diet, consuming over 500 food sources, including its preferred choice known as ‘giant African land snail food.’ Biologists have observed these land snails exhibiting herbivorous behavior, feeding on various plants, fruits, and vegetables.
Their diet includes algae, bananas, cucumbers, lettuce, and flowers. Interestingly, these snails also display cannibalism, feeding on the eggs and bodies of other snails.
In their quest for calcium, vital for shell development, the snails consume bones, pebbles, and even materials like paper and concrete.
The Giant African Land Snail boasts a versatile diet facilitated by its radula, teeth, and tongue. Whether in the wild or with a caretaker, it adapts to various plant types and edible materials.
Threats and Predators
The African Land Snail, particularly L. fulica, faces various predator threats. Fire ants, flatworms, hermit crabs, foxes, and wild boars are among the predators that pose a danger to these snails.
Additionally, the presence of cannibal snails and rats adds to these snails’ challenges in their environments. These predators collectively contribute to the complex web of threats that the African Land Snail must navigate for survival.
Reproduction and Giant African Land Snail Lifespan
Like L. fulica, these hermaphrodite snails reproduce through mating. They lay batches of 8 to 20 eggs, totaling 100 to 500, throughout their giant African snail lifespan. The snails carefully choose soil nests, where they check the climate for optimal hatching conditions.
Tiny hatchlings emerge after 90 to 100 days, undergoing metamorphosis as they grow. Their lifespan ranges from 5 to 8 years, influenced by climate, predators, and care.
Some areas implement programs to control their population. This reproductive cycle illustrates the adaptability of these creatures in the wild.
Population of Giant African Land Snail
The Giant African Land Snail has established its population across various countries and continents since its introduction in 1969.
By 2011, its presence was noted in regions such as Africa, American Samoa, Argentina, Asian countries, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Florida, French Polynesia, Ghana, Hawaii, Israel, Italy, Japan, Madagascar, Nepal, Netherlands Antilles, Nigeria, Oceania, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Samoa, Seychelles, South America, Spain, Sri Lanka, Tuvalu, the United States, Venezuela, Vietnam, and Wisconsin.
The snail’s remarkable fecundity and adaptability to different habitats have contributed to its ability to thrive, resulting in populations reaching millions in some areas. Efforts for eradication have been implemented in certain countries to manage the impact of this snail’s widespread presence.
The snail’s population growth is influenced by age, habitat availability, and its ability to reproduce, making it a significant species with a global footprint.
Interesting Facts
- Snails may contain parasites that cause illnesses or severe diseases like meningitis or schistosomiasis.
- New eradication operations prevent agricultural damage after this snail was returned in 2011 and 2021 after Florida spent a million dollars and 10 years to eliminate it in the 1960s.
- The African Giant Land Snail grows forever. Despite slowing growth as it ages, it will develop until death.
Giant African Land Snail Pest Information
The big African land snail, also known as the Giant African Land Snail (GALS), is a big problem for plants, with around 500 types on its menu. In warm areas, like Florida, these snails cause lots of trouble for crops and nature.
They also carry a parasite called rat lungworm that can lead to swelling of the covering of the brain in humans. Getting or having GALS in the US needs permission. Even though people tried to get rid of them in 1969 and 2021, these bothersome snails still create issues in Florida.
The latest time they tried to get rid of them was in 2011 when they found them in Miami-Dade County. Explore a variety of snails for sale, find your ideal Giant African Land Snail for sale, and bring a delightful new friend into your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Giant African Snail Common Name?
The common name for the giant African land snail is “Achatina“.
How Was the Giant African Snail Introduced?
In 1966, a kid from Miami, FL, brought three giant African snails to South Florida after a trip to Hawaii. When he got home, his grandma let the snails loose in her garden. Seven years later, they found over 18,000 adult snails and lots of eggs in the area.
Is the Giant African Land Snail Dangerous?
The giant African land snail is not inherently dangerous to humans. However, these snails have the potential to cause significant harm to Florida’s farms and natural areas by inflicting extensive damage in tropical and subtropical environments. They also pose a notable health risk to humans as they carry the rat lungworm parasite, which can lead to meningitis.
How Did the Giant African Snail Get to America?
Just like other invasive pests and diseases, giant African snails can get into the United States by hitching a ride on imported goods. Some individuals also bring these snails into the country illegally, whether for educational displays, as pets, or for eating or ceremonial purposes.
How to Set Up a Giant African Land Snail tank?
For a comfy home, use a mix of peat or coco fiber and add some sphagnum moss to keep things moist (60-70% humidity). Make sure the substrate is deep enough for your snail to fully burrow. Give it a light mist daily, just enough to keep it damp but not too wet or dry.
What’s the Best Setup for a Giant African Land Snail Enclosure?
Giant African land snails are best kept in a well-ventilated tank made of glass or tough plastic with a secure lid to prevent them from climbing out. Avoid using wooden enclosures, as snails may chew on them, leading to splinters and potential harm.
What Temperature is Suitable for Giant African Land Snails?
Giant African Land Snails prefer temperatures between 21-25°C. To ensure the optimal Giant African Land Snail temperatures and maintain their happiness and health, it is recommended to use a heat mat, especially in cooler places.
How to Care for a Giant African Land Snail as a Pet?
Snails like to dig, so when you set up their home, just put in a few centimeters of peat-free compost and a big piece of bark. If you grab the bark yourself, soak it in water overnight to get rid of any bad stuff. Adding leaf litter and moss helps keep the soil nice and damp.
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