Giant African snail (GAS), Lissachatina fulica (previously Achatina fulica) is one of the worst invasive pests in the world. It was smuggled into Trinidad in 2008 and promptly escaped and is now wreaking havoc across most of Trinidad. Since GAS is new to the ecology of our Island most citizens are unfamiliar with its behaviour and are uncertain as to how to manage it. This factsheet deals specifically with managing GAS on farm and minimising the risk of spreading GAS from farm to farm and from producer to consumers.
The Cassava Hornworm, Erinnyis ello is a pest of cassava and is native to tropical America. It has been recorded in Central America, the Caribbean, Florida (USA), Brazil, Columbia and Ecuador.
The Giant African Snail (Lissachatina fulica) is native to East Africa and was introduced into the Caribbean in the 1980’s. It was first discovered in Diego Martin, Trinidad in October 2008. Since then it has spread to other areas of Trinidad including Aranguez, Golden Grove, Chase Village and San Fernando
Giant African snail (Lissachatina fulica) formerly Achatina fulica can cause major destruction to crops, loss of income and may even cause human health problems. This pest can lay up to four hundred eggs at a time and it can lay three clutches in one year. Eggs hatch within eight to twelve days and the snails become sexually mature in five months. Since the snail can live up to nine years, management is critical in preventing the multiplication and spread of this pest.
