An infestation of Giant African Snails (Achatina fulica) was recently confirmed in a Miami-Dade County subdivision. This species, originally from East Africa, has been called one of the most damaging land snails in the world. It is known to eat over 500 different types of plants (including many commercially important crops and fruit trees) and is able to digest concrete, often destroying plaster and stucco on homes in its quest to supply calcium to its large shell. Importantly, they are also a known vector for human disease, often carrying parasites that can lead to a non-fatal type of meningitis.
This is not the first time South Florida has dealt with an infestation of Giant African Snails. In 1966, a Miami boy brought 3 snails back with him after a trip to Hawaii (these snails have become established throughout the Indo-Pacific). His grandmother eventually released them into her garden and within 7 years over 18,000 snails had been found. The state of Florida was able to eradicate this isolated pest, but the effort took 10 years and cost over $1 million. The current infestation in Miami appears to be contained to a 1-square mile area and eradication efforts continue, having collected over 1,100 individuals since August. It is possible this population is related to a 2010 smuggling case where a Hialeah man smuggled the snails from Africa as part of a religious ritual involving drinking the snails’ juices and subsequently causing several people to become violently ill. To date, none of the snails discovered in Florida have carried meningitis.
In addition to their voracious appetites and destructive behavior, several other characteristics of these snails make them a significant threat to our state. They are excellent reproducers, as each snail has both male and female reproductive organs. They begin laying eggs at 5-6 months old, and in a typical year every mated adult lays approximately 1,200 eggs (with the ability to lay up to 4,000 eggs annually). They can live for as long as 9 years and can survive cold conditions (even snow) with a change in metabolism/behavior that is similar to hibernation.
Giant African Snails can easily be identified from native land snails. They can be up to 8 inches long, with their shell making up half of their length. The shell is light brown and striped with brown and cream bands.
If you find Giant African Snails, Audubon needs your help reporting them! EDDMapS is a powerful tool for reporting non-native species, providing data to scientists and land managers working to control the spread of animal invaders. Registration is free and allows you to easily help us by reporting all sightings (photos, addresses and/or GPS coordinates are very helpful).
For questions or more information, please contact Audubon's Shawn Liston.
