Giant African Land Snail Spotted in Sindhudurg; Experts Urge Caution
Residents of a small village in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra, have made a surprising and concerning discovery: the presence of a Giant African Snail. This marks the first time this invasive species has been officially identified in the region.
The snail was found in the village of Pinguli in Kudal taluka. The discovery was reported by Anil Gavade, a member of the Kudal Rapid Rescue Team, a local forest rescue unit.
This isn’t just any ordinary garden snail. The Giant African Snail is notorious worldwide. In fact, it’s listed as one of the 100 most invasive and damaging species on the planet. The reason for its bad reputation is its massive appetite. It is known to eat over 500 different types of crops, plants, and flowers, posing a severe threat to farmers and local biodiversity.
But the dangers don’t stop there. These snails also pose a health risk to animals and humans, as they can carry and transmit parasites like rat lungworm, which can cause serious illnesses.
Anil Gavade has urged local farmers and residents to be vigilant. He has called on the community to be careful and to report any sightings of this snail to the authorities immediately, so its spread can be contained and managed effectively.
