Invasion of the Argentinean Paranense Rainforest by the Giant African SnailAchatina fulica

Abstract

The tropical land snail Achatina fulica Bowdich, 1822, native to Africa, is reported for the first time in Argentina, in Puerto Iguazú City, Misiones Province. This city is surrounded by protected areas. Three randomly selected 1-m2 plots were marked off in private gardens and in the area surrounding an urban stream for snail sampling. The high snail density detected could have ecological, sanitary, and economic consequences which have already been documented in other countries.