Occurrences and socio-environmental impacts of the Giant African snail (Achatina fulica Bowdich, 1822) in urban area of Macapá, Amapá, Brazil

Simone Do Socorro De Souza Carvalho,Arialdo Martins Da Silveira Júnior

doi:10.33448/rsd-v10i6.15791

Simone Do Socorro De Souza Carvalho, Arialdo Martins Da Silveira Júnior

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v10i6.15791

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Abstract

This study aimed to verify the occurrence and socio-environmental impacts of the presence of African Snail in the Açai neighborhood, city of Macapá, State of Amapá, showing problems such as the occurrence of the species and the lack of knowledge of the community about its infestation and control. The interviews were conducted using semi-structured forms to collect information on site and photographic record, for a period of four months (08/2013 to 12/2013). Variables of social and environmental axes were evaluated as impact indicators. The results showed that a greater performance of the public would contribute directly to the quality of life of the population and the environment, promoting the decrease in the occurrence of this snail. An environmental education program aimed at disseminating information on the impacts of African snail should be encouraged. It is necessary to work in the development of legal instruments, as well as in the development of campaigns to clarify the population.

Highlights

The species A. fulica is considered the cause of biodiversity loss in various ecosystems and imbalance in the function and structure of a diverse biota. Zanol et al (2010) explain that the dense populations of this mollusk in the country are mainly due to their great biotic potential and the absence of specific pathogens
In view of the problem, this study aims to make a diagnosis of the knowledge of the local population about the prevalence and control methods of Achatina fulica and the action of the public power in combating the African snail, aiming to identify the frequent socio-environmental impacts of the presence of this mollusc in the study area
In a study developed by Patiño Montoya et al (2019) in urban communities of Colombia, a negative relationship was observed between the environmental perception of the residents and the low level of schooling and knowledge about the Giant African snail

Summary

Introduction

The species A. fulica is considered the cause of biodiversity loss in various ecosystems and imbalance in the function and structure of a diverse biota. Zanol et al (2010) explain that the dense populations of this mollusk in the country are mainly due to their great biotic potential and the absence of specific pathogens. In the Amazon, surveys show that its presence may be associated with the transport of this mollusc in accidental loads, denoting in an alert situation due to its high dispersal capacity, diet, reproduction, and absence of natural predators for its biological control (; Lima & Guilherme, 2018; Onyshi et al, 2018; Eduvirgem & Ferreira, 2020; Silva et al, 2020). The humid and shaded climatic conditions of the state of Amapá favor its occurrence, since this species reproduces in environments with these characteristics (Andreazzi et al, 2017; Alves et al, 2017a; Eduvirgem & Ferreira, 2020). Its population decline occurs, which does not denote a control in the density of the species

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