GIZO Bio-security Division of the Western Province are inviting public to assist in eradicating the giant African snail at the Gizo Mobil area.

This is a serious pest and an invasive species that could adversely affect agriculture, natural ecosystem, human health or commerce.

Narety Bulehite of Gizo Bio-security Division told Island Sun Gizo yesterday the snail eats rotting vegetation and animal wastes and a wide range of vegetables, ornamentals and tree crops.

She explained the Giant African Snail attacks more than 500 types of plants, but it prefers breadfruit, cassava, cocoa, papaya, peanut, rubber and most species of legumes and cucurbits.

“Cuttings and seedling are especially vulnerable. Damage is greatest when outbreaks first occur in a new area and population explosions result in hundreds of snails per square meter,” said Bulehite.

She said the shells of these snails often grow to a length of 18 centimetres (7.1 in) with a diameter of 9 centimetres (3.5 in) and is considered the largest snail in the world.

She added that this snail is a hermaphrodite and they have both male and female reproductive organs and are said to be able to lay up to 1,200 eggs per snail per year.

Bulehite said that “if you see any snails in your area or around Gizo town, report immediately to the Agriculture Bio security Office in Gizo”.