Giant African Snail Spread in Chennai Raises Alarms

Lissachatina fulica or the giant African Snail is one of the most invasive species in the world, and it has recently been spotted in Chennai and surrounding regions that is worrying everyone including people in the region and the environment.

Spread in Chennai

In September-November 2024, field survey identified infestations at St. Thomas Mount, Tirusulam and Perungalathur Hills. The species also thrives on urban and semi-urban areas and monsoon flooding increases its spread, complicating its control.

Health Hazards

A carrier of parasitic nematodes including Angiostrongylus cantonensis and A. costaricensis which cause serious conditions in humans such as eosinophilic meningoencephalitis and abdominal angiostrongyliasis are all carried by the snail. They are generally transmitted by coming into contact with contaminated snails or snail mucus, and this has been of major risk to communities where the species has invaded.

Agricultural and Ecosystem Effects.

The Giant African Snail breeds on more than 500 plant species with devastating effects on crops and with the native snail species. It can also carry plant pathogens posing a threat of biodiversity and regional food production. It is among the hardest to control pests because of its high adapting nature.

Global and Historical Background.

The species was introduced in East Africa and since 1847 has moved to other states such as Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. It has invaded various parts of Asia, Africa, the Americas and the Pacific globally, and is listed in the IUCN list of the 100 worst invasive species.

Control and Management

The rapid reproduction and survival in diverse environments make eradication difficult due to the snail being a very fast reproducer. Its spread is also assisted by flooding. Management strategies need to be monitored strictly, the community educated, and the incorporated pest control programs. There are those countries that prohibit its sale and transportation to minimize threats.

Significance

The case of Chennai shows that there is a high necessity of prompt detection and synchronized actions against invading species. In addition to crop losses, the Giant African Snail is a good example of how biological invasion may pose a danger on human health, agriculture, and the ecological equilibrium.