The giant African snail

Abstract

The giant African snail (Achatina fulica) was introduced into Papua New Guinea during the Second World War. It is a tropical snail native to East Africa which has been spread by man to many Pacific countries. It was first observed at Rabaul in 1945. It is known to be established on the Gazelle Peninsula and the Kimbe area of New Britain; on New Ireland; around Kieta in the North Solomons; at Port Moresby and Sogeri in the Central Province; in the Lae area of the Morobe Province; and on Manam Island and Bogia in the Madang Province. It is a destructive pest which causes severe damage to a wide range of plants and crops.