African snails pose threat to coastal Kerala

Giant African snails are posing a serious threat in the coastal regions of Kerala, where locals have spotted it in a large number along the walls of buildings, on trees and even plants.

Kochi (Kerala), Sep 23 : Giant African snails are posing a serious threat in the coastal regions of Kerala, where locals have spotted it in a large number along the walls of buildings, on trees and even plants.

Popularly known as African snails, they grow up to five inches in length, sometimes as big as the palm of an adult human hand.

These snails are known to destroy crops and even cause fatal diseases in humans. They consume almost anything that comes their way, ranging from coconut leaves to flowers, and even chunks of concrete wall.

"I have read that these snails cause brain fever called meningitis. The disease spreads through a parasite that lives in rats. The snail mucous, when it comes in contact with the human mucous membranes in eyes, nose and mouth can cause Eosinophilic disorders," said Antonia Roseline K J, lecturer, Zoology Department, Cochin College.

A programme to educate residents in the area about health risks and eradication methods will be undertaken soon, Roseline added.

Thilothima Bai, a resident of Mattancherry District near Kochi, said: "I keep shooing them away from my house, but they somehow come back. In my entire life, I have never seen such a big snail in this locality."

These snails lay up to 1,200 eggs a year, which can pose a serious threat to environment. This species is known for its survival techniques, like its ability to go into hibernation for two to three years.

However, the easiest way to control their population is to collect these snails in a box and sprinkle ordinary salt over them.

African snails are cone-shaped with brown shells. They have seven to nine whorls that are brown in colour with irregular darker streaks running across them.

This rare snail is usually found in rivers and in the Pacific Islands.

Though it is unknown how these African natives reached Indian shores, but it is believed that they might have come with large shipments entering through the Cochin port.

ANI