Achatina fulica (Gastropoda: Pulmonata): Occurrence, environmental aspects and presence of nematodes in Sergipe, Brazil

Abstract

<jats:p>Abstract The objective of this study was to identify the occurrence of Achatina fulica in the Great Aracaju-SE Territory. This research was developed during the months of June 2016 to May 2017. The plots methodology was used for the monthly collections, following the collection time of 20 minutes per area. The mollusks were measured and soon afterwards the parasitological analysis of the mucus and faeces was performed. Molecular identification was performed to evaluate the possible presence of Angiostrongylus sp. We observed that the occurrence of A. fulica was more representative in urban areas, especially in vacant lots with the presence of litter and decomposing materials. In the specimens of A. fulica examined were male and female nematodes of the genus Rhabditis, in the research municipalities, except in Barra dos Coqueiros. No parasites of the genus Angiostrongylus were found in the mollusks examined. The influence of the presence of litter on the plots associated with the frequency of A. fulica was statistically significant. There was a correlation between the influence of rainfall and the frequency of A. fulica. A significant relationship between moisture and frequency and nematode positivity was identified. It was also observed that the larger the mollusk, the greater the chances of being infected by nematodes. Scientific knowledge about the biology of the A. fulica species associated with human intervention such as the maintenance of land and adequate sanitary measures may be important factors for a better control of this invasive mollusk.</jats:p>

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

“…When asking where mollusks are found, 19% of the interviewees answered that they appear in the vegetation; 23% realized that they like damp places and molds, such as walls and ceilings of houses; 58% say that the snail prefers environments full of debris, amidst garbage, solid waste, rotting wood, tree branches, among others. This last data corroborates with that observed by Silva et al (2020), where a positive interaction (p <0.05) was observed between the presence of the African snail and the presence of hazardous waste and garbage in Sergipe's cities. In this context, a resident mentioned: I do daily cleaning on my land, I set fire to these animals, but I don't see much result.…”

“…Most of the residents, about 82% of the interviewees, affirm that there is a significant increase in the prevalence of mollusk in the rainy period, period in which the pluvimetric index increases, approximately, 2276, 9 mm per year (Souza & Cunha, 2013). With the start of the rains, the residents fail to fight the proliferation of the African snail and generally its prevalence is associated with periods with larger precipitations and moisture (Albuquerque et al, 2009;Silva et al, 2020).…”

“…According to Silva et al (2020), the presence of the Giant African snail has been reported in different environments, such as forests, capoeiras, caatingas, savannas, plantations, vegetable gardens, as well as in urban areas. 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 easily in environments with these characteristics (Andreazzi et al, 2017;Alves et al, 2017a;Eduvirgem & Ferreira, 2020). In Macapá, the capital of Amapá, the incidence has been observed in almost all neighborhoods of the city and in much of the municipalities.…”

Socio-environmental assessment of the impact of the African snail, Lissachatina fulica (Férussac), 1821, on the population of Alto Paraíso de Goiás, Brazil

“…The species adapts easily to modified environments ranging from abandoned plots to huge trash deposits, as the vegetation and accumulated material serve as shelter and protection for egg laying (Thiengo et al, 2007;Silva, Santos, Melo & Jeraldo, 2019;Chatap Pravin, Deshmukh & Telkhede, 2020. The arboreal habit allows him to climb trees and walls (Silva, Santos, Melo, & Jeraldo, 2019;Cazarin-Oliveira, Fraga & Martins-Silva, 2021). The gregarious behavior invites population explosions harassing neighbors as it attacks mainly ornamental and vegetable gardens.…”

Update on the occurrence and dispersion of the Achatina (Lissachatina) fulica Bowdich, 1822 (Mollusca, Gastropoda) snail within the Federal District, Brazil

“…As an adult it presents a body mass above 200 g and is approximately 15 cm long (Eston et al 2006). The A. fulica may host worms that cause diseases in man and animal (Thiengo et al 2013;Lima et al 2019;Silva et al 2019), besides disseminating pathogens by means of its feces that cause diseases in plants (Raut and Barker 2002).…”