Current Status of Invasive African Giant Land Snail Achatina Fulica (Gastropoda: Pulmonata) in Janakpur, Nepal

Abstract

Achatina fulica is one of the world’s worst invasive species which was introduced in Nepal long ago. In Janakpur, this snail was introduced about 40-45 years ago and currently found in almost everywhere. The direct observation, questionnaire survey was conducted from September to November, 2018. Based on the 195 informants the most preferred habitat in the study area included garden followed bari, roadside, river side, and irrigational canal within urban settlements. About 84 percent respondents (n=170) reported occurrence of this snail in favourable season only but 16 percent respondents said they found it throughout the year. Likewise 70 percent respondents experienced about the impacts on the local environment due to this snail. The control measures of A. fulica includes collections and pouring salt over the snails, curshing the live individuals, remove the hiding places and searching egg mass and destroy them. Collection and pouring salt over the snail was found the most effective control techniques adopted by the local people.