Giant African Land Snail

Among the biggest gastropods on land are giant African land snails (GALS), mostly found in the genera Achatina and Archachatina. Among its noteworthy species are Achatina achatina, sometimes referred to as the big Ghana snail or tiger snail, and Achatina fulica, which is wellknown for its invasiveness in nonnative areas and prolific reproduction. These snails are indigenous to Africa and have evolved to live in a variety of settings, including dry and deep woodlands. Background and Synopsis Although there is no exact record of their domestication, giant African land snails have long been popular as pets and curiosities. Their history dates back many centuries. These snails have been used for food, traditional medicine, and as a source of calcium for construction materials in their natural environments throughout Africa. It is possible that specimens brought back by explorers and colonists during the colonial period brought them to the Western world as exotic pets.