Giant African Land Snail

  • Lifespan 5-10 years
  • One of the most invasive species in the world
  • Herbivore
  • Solitary
  • Hermaphroditic (have both male and female reproductive organs)
  • A snail trail is a broken trail
  • Direction of coils indicate if snail is left or right handed
  • Hard outer shells
  • Travels at speeds up to 0.002 miles per hour
  • Lay on average 100-500 eggs

Giant African Land Snail (Achatina fulica)

giant African land snail gliding along sand

The giant African land snail is one of the largest snails in the world. It can reach lengths of 20 centimetres and weigh almost one kilogram. These snails surely stand out thanks to their size. After the rains, you are likely to spot the glistening shell of this snail as it slowly glides along.

Snails play a key role as decomposers by consuming dead vegetation which, in turn assists in nutrient recycling. However, this snail is considered one of the world’s most invasive species. They consume at least 500 types of plants, making them major horticultural and agricultural pests. Further, they breed rapidly and so outcompete native species of snails.