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Giant African Snail Detected in Chennai Raises Alarm

10 September 20251 min read
ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGYGiant African SnailDetected inChennai RaisesAlarm10 September 2025safalsetu.com

Why in the news

A report on 10 September 2025 flagged the Giant African Snail (Lissachatina fulica) in Chennai and its outskirts as an invasive-species concern.

Key facts

  • Field surveys between September and November 2024 confirmed populations at St Thomas Mount, Tirusulam and Perungalathur Hills.
  • The snail carries parasitic nematodes (Angiostrongylus cantonensis and costaricensis) that cause eosinophilic meningoencephalitis and abdominal angiostrongyliasis in humans.
  • It feeds on over 500 plant species, including crops.
  • Native to East Africa, it was introduced to India in 1847 and later spread across Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka.

About the species

It is described as one of the world’s most invasive species and is listed among the world’s 100 worst invasive species. Its hardiness and fast breeding make eradication hard. Management relies mainly on public awareness and monitoring, while some countries strictly regulate its sale and possession.

Exam angle

  • Scientific name: Lissachatina fulica; origin East Africa.
  • Health link: eosinophilic meningoencephalitis.
  • Invasive alien species questions often ask origin and year of introduction: 1847.

Test yourself

1. Giant African Snail is native to which region?

The snail is native to East Africa and reached India in 1847.

2. In which year was the Giant African Snail introduced to India?

It was introduced to India in 1847.

3. Parasitic nematodes carried by the snail can cause which condition in humans?

The nematodes cause eosinophilic meningoencephalitis and abdominal angiostrongyliasis.

Sources: GKToday

This topic is part of Daily Current Affairs 10 September 2025 (10 topics).

All topics of the dayDay quizSeptember 2025

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