Achatinids - feared and appreciated giant snails

Giant African Snails of the genus Achatina are indeed giants among terrestrial snails: An adult Achatina fulica may reach a length of up to twenty centimetres, both in body and shell, and a weight of around 100 grams. Some species grow even larger. Achatina fulica from Eastern Africa has long been known as a decent protein source to native Africans, and its frequent occurrence on African markets has risen the attention of early European colonists. In Western Africa, some other Achatinid species are farmed for human consumption until today.

As early as 1800, English and French colonists started to introduce the Eastern African species, Achatina fulica, over broad areas in India and in the Indopacific region. However, they obviously did not think of the great appetite such large snails must have. Without the threat of natural predators, Achatina populations which escaped control started to thrive well all over the tropical world - some of them devastated large plant cultures almost overnight, others brought troubles over natural ecosystems, and ultimately led to the declining (or even extinction) of native species. Until today, escaped Achatina fulica are a much feared threat to crops in warm climate zones. But despite warnings from some scientists, these Achatinids are still often cultivated outside of Africa, since they are appreciated delicacies on gourmet plates.

To European gourmets, imports of Achatina fulica from the tropics provided a suitable alternative to native edible snails, when the native Escargot (Helix pomatia) became rare due to over sampling. With their impressive size and nicely colored shell, Giant African Snails also gain increasing attention from European enthusiasts of exotic pets.

Indeed, these giant snails can make wonderful pets. At least, if one doesn't mind their predominantly nocturnal activity phase. They are relatively easily nourished with vegetables and fruit parts and need a terrarium filled with roughly ten centimetres of soil or similar substrate, a lid to prevent escape, humidity, sufficiently warm temperatures and a bit of chalk. To the relief of the rather lazy keeper, Achatinid snails might go through a dormancy period of up to several months, during which they close their shell with a solid lid and need no particular care. However, they are very hungry after waking up and need intense care by then. Dormancy might be induced by dryness and food shortage. The only problem with keeping Achatina is their numerous offspring. And like in their native habitat, the snails are particularly prolific after a period of dormancy.

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