Giant African Land Snail

 

Animals Unique | Giant African Land Snail | The giant African land snail, is the largest species of snail found on land and Generally grow to around 20 cm in length. The giant African land snail is native to the forest areas of East Africa but has been introduced into Asia, the Caribbean and a number of islands in both the Pacific and the Indian Oceans.

 

The giant African land snail is Generally seen as a pest as these snails will eat almost anything vegetarian That They can find and have proven to be quite destructive when around crops and wild flowers. Giant African land snails are also known to carry parasites and are illegal to keep as pets in some countries Such as the USA.

 

The giant African land snail is native to humid, forest areas but can today be found in agricultural areas, coast land, natural forest, Planted forests, shrublands, urban areas, and wetlands. The giant African land snail is seen to be highly invasive species and large Colonies of land snails can be formed from just one individual.

Giant African land snails have both male and female reproductive organs. Although giant African land snails mate primarily with one another, in more isolated regions the giant African land snail is capable of reproducing by Itself. Giant African land snail lay clutches of eggs around 6 every year, laying an average of 200 eggs per clutch. Around 90% of snail hatchings survive That meaning a free snail infested area can Quickly Become.

 

Giant African land snails are active during the night and spend the daytime hours Safely Buried underground. Giant African land snails reach adult size by the Their time They are 6 months old and although Their growth rate slows at this point, giant African land snails never stop growing. Most giant African land snail reach Between 5 and 6 years of age but some giant African land snail individuals have been known to be more than 10 years old.

During periods of extreme drought, the giant African land snail goes into aestivation (summer sleep). The giant African land snail Itself seals inside it's shell to retain water and giant African land snails do this about 3 times a year, depending on the areas in the which They Inhabit.

 

Giant African Land Snail Facts
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Gastropoda
Order: Achatinoidea
Family: Achatinidae
Genus: Achatina
Scientific Name: Achatina fulica
Type: Mollusc
Diet: Herbivore
Size: 15-30cm (6-11.8in)
Weight: 250-450g (8.8-15.9oz)
Top Speed: 0.003km / h (0.002mph)
Life Span: 3-10 years
Lifestyle: Solitary
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Colour: Brown, Yellow, Red
Skin Type: Hard Outer Shell
Favourite Food: Leaves
Habitat: Humid forest areas
Average Litter Size: 200
Main Prey: Leaves, Vegetables, Fruit, Flowers
Predators: Wild Cats, Birds, Humans
Special Features: Hard protective shell and have both male and female reproductive organs