The giant African Land Snail is a species of large land snail that belongs to the subfamily Achatininae of the family Achantinidae. This snail species has been considered a significant cause of pest issues around the world.
Advertisement
Outside of its native range, this snail thrives in many types of habitats in areas with mild climates. It feeds voraciously and is a vector for plant pathogens, causing severe damage to agricultural crops and native plants.
![](https://abtc.ng/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/5e5b3677e7730e974f13e49aeffd7b4a.jpg)
Image Credit: Pinterest
It competes with native snail taxa, is a nuisance pest in urban areas, and spreads human disease. This snail is listed as one of the top 100 invasive species in the world.
Advertisement
Is giant African land snail poisonous?
Giant African Land snails are large terrestrial snails in eastern Africa and are considered invasive in several other nations. GALS aren’t poisonous but it is possible for them to transmit disease, especially when their mucus is used in topical treatments or the snails are eaten raw.
How is the giant African snail harmful?
Giant African land snails pose a serious health risk to humans by carrying the parasite rat lungworm, known to cause meningitis in humans. The snails should not be handled without proper protection and sanitation.
Leave a Reply