The giant tiger land snail (or Achatina achatina) is a large species of gastropod that lives in the woodland areas of West Africa; specifically Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana and Nigeria, among others.
They have a grey body and a conical shell that is yellow, orange or tan with black stripes – the distinctive pattern being the inspiration for their name.
The species is hermaphroditic, possessing both male and female reproductive parts, so there are no distinct 'males' and 'females'. However, small or sub-adult individuals have often not yet developed the reproductive parts and so may be considered 'males'. The largest individuals reach a length and diameter of 30cm x 15cm.
Giant tiger land snails do not actively live in groups, but are passive enough to tolerate others without aggression.
Enrichments
Conservation Topics
Rainforest Ecosystem Ambience
Nocturnal Behavior
Herbivore Diet
Mollusk Evolution
Giant Tiger Land Snail Fact Sheet
The Animal Kingdom Talk
Invasive Species
Giant Tiger Land Snail Name Plate
Lifecycle
Giant tiger land snails do not actively live in groups, but are passive enough to tolerate others without aggression.
Breeding typically occurs before the rainy season but only occurs once every 3 years. When interested in mating, a snail will approach another and see if they reciprocate interest by touching them with their antennae. As snails are hermaphroditic, the larger individual takes on the role of the female, with the two entwining while mating for fertilization to take place. The female will then dig a shallow nest in the forest floor in which to lay her eggs.
After 10 to 31 days, these hatch – usually just as the rainy season begins – and the young snails must feed to become larger and strengthen their shells before the dry season hits.
Giant tiger land snails reach sexual maturity as males at 2 years old, and at this point they are able to fertilize a female. However, it may take up to 3 years for them to be mature enough to act as the female. A fully mature snail will be able to take on the role of either the male or female in copulation. Self-fertilization is also possible.
Statistics
Gestation / Incubation Period
1 months
Interbirth Period
35 months
Reproduction Difficulty
Easy
Age Of Sexual Sterility
Death
Age Of Sexual Maturity
2 years
Adult6 years
Elderly10 years
Animal Facts
The giant tiger land snail is the largest species of land snail in the world.
Giant tiger land snails are threatened by habitat loss and over-hunting by humans.
In Ghana, giant tiger land snails are considered a delicacy and are often hunted for food.
The giant tiger land snail has been accidentally introduced to the USA and the Caribbean, where it is considered a pest.
Giant tiger land snails have mouthparts called 'radulae' that are covered in many tiny 'teeth' used to feed by rasping them against vegetation.
Conservation
The status of the giant tiger land snail has not been officially evaluated. It is widely consumed by local ethnic groups with potential for commercial farming. Along with other species of giant African snails, it is an invasive species when introduced to non-native ecosystems. Outside of its native range, this species thrives in mild climates and feeds voraciously, outcompeting native snails and spreading disease. It is also often kept as a pet.
International trade and possession of giant tiger land snails is illegal in some vulnerable countries due to its invasive potential. Eradication campaigns have been managed successfully in some countries, but repeat invasions are presumed through cargo and accidental releases.
The giant tiger land snail is highly abundant, and the eradication of the species from its introduced range is the main conservation concern.
Native Range
Africa
Statistics
Wild Population
Unknown
Conservation Status
Not Evaluated
Are you ready to run a zoo?
Prove your knowledge and create a personalised certificate endorsed by the Fauna & Ecosystems Network for the Giant Tiger Land Snail.
Planet Zoo 2 is in active development and the Zoopedia reflects this work in progress. Text, images, stats etc. are not necessarily final and may change or be expanded upon.
