Animal Name: African Giant Land Snail

The African land giant snail (Achatina fulica) is a captivating terrestrial snail species known for its impressive size and unique features. Originating from East Africa, this remarkable creature has made its way to various regions worldwide. With a spiral-shaped shell and a grayish-brown body, it stands out in the natural world. Growing up to 15 centimeters (6 inches) in shell length, it showcases its remarkable proportions. The African land giant snail is a herbivore, feeding on a wide range of plant matter. Its adaptability, rapid growth, and invasive tendencies make it a subject of interest and management in many areas. Explore the intriguing world of this African land giant snail and its impact on ecosystems.

The African giant land snail (Achatina fulica) is a remarkable terrestrial snail with a spiral-shaped shell and a soft, grayish-brown body. Growing up to 15 centimeters (6 inches) in shell length, it stands out for its size. Its upper tentacles bear eyes, while the lower ones are used for sensing the environment. As herbivores, they consume various plant matter. These hermaphroditic snails lay spherical eggs in burrows or damp soil, with rapid growth in favorable conditions. Despite their fascinating nature, they are considered invasive in many areas due to their adaptability, voracious appetite, and high reproductive rates, requiring management to prevent ecological disruptions.