The antics of the Giant African Landsnail

Found in my garden after some heavy rains

Giant African land snails (Lissachatina fulica) often climb into bushes, trees, and onto manmade objects such as buildings, fences, etc. after heavy rains. They can remain inactive in soil for a year during unfavourable conditions. 

Running from the rain

This snail is found along the eastern coast of South Africa extending northward into Somalia and they are considered a severe agricultural pest that consumes over 500 types of plants and damages house stucco.

Snacking on some bread

Google warns that this snail poses a serious human health risk by carrying the rat lungworm parasite, which can cause a life-threatening form of meningitis. Which seems contradictory to the fact that indigenous groups and local communities across Sub-Saharan Africa—particularly in West and East Africa—have relied on giant African land snails (Achatina species) as a sustainable source of protein for generations. Often praised for being lean and rich in iron, they are widely prepared in local soups, stews, or stir-fries. In many West African nations, such as Ghana and Ivory Coast, wild-foraged and farm-raised giant snails are a dietary staple and a prized local delicacy. 

These snails are also widely kept as pets, and I can understand why. They become very tame and once they discover food on offer, they will return to that same spot time and again for a snack. I regularly put out some food in the early evening when I know there is one in my garden and they just lover cucumber, mushrooms and tomatoes. They are very fond of bread, which should not be offered to regularly as it can clog their digestive system.

Snacking on a small piece of bread

Mushrooms are a favourite

Getting ready to settle in for the day. These snails are mostly nocturnal and, for obvious reasons, avoid the heat of the day.

If you Google 'African Giant Snail as pet',  you will find the most amazing images beautiful enough to melt your heart. So don't be so quick to kill every snail you see, sacrificing a few plants is nothing in the greater scheme of things of allowing something to live.

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