Distribution
The species is native to East Africa, but it has been widely introduced to other parts of the world, through the pet trade, as a food resource, and by accidental introduction.
This species has been found in China since 1931 (map of distribution in 2007), and its initial point of distribution in China was Xiamen. The snail has also been established in the Pratas Islands, of Taiwan, throughout India, the Pacific, Indian Ocean islands, and the West Indies. In the United States, it has become established in Hawaii and eradication is underway in Florida.
The species has recently been observed in Bhutan (Gyelposhing, Mongar), where it is an invasive species. It has begun to attack agricultural fields and flower gardens. It is believed there that dogs which have consumed the snail died as a result.
A small population has gained a foothold in Bangalore, within the Indian Institute of Science campus. The snails were imported as part of crystallographic and NMR studies on Conotoxins. In an act of misguided compassion, the snails were released post-experimentation, and have colonised vast swathes of forested campus grounds. Their escape into the city-proper would be catastrophic for the local ecosystem.
In Paraguay, the first sighting of the African snail was reported in Concepción in 2011. Later cases were reported in different parts of the country in 2012. It is believed that the snail may have been introduced into the country either as fishing bait in Ayolas, or as pets in Ciudad del Este. Other sightings have been reported in urban areas around the capital Asuncion.
Read more about this topic: Achatina Fulica
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