Effect of age-specific predation on age distribution and survival of the Giant African Snail, Achatina fulica / T.Nishida and Banbot Napompeth

Abstract

The giant African snail, Achatina fulica Bowdich, one of the most destructive molluscan pests of many tropical areas of the world, became established in Hawaii November 30, 1936. To control this pest predaceous snails, Gonaxis quadrilateralis (Preston), G. kibweziensis (E. A. Smith), and Euglandina rosea (Ferussac) were introduced. According the Davis, the population of A. Fulica has declined markedly in recent years and numerous empty shells have been observed in many areas of Oahu. Using these shells a demographic analysis was made in this study to determine the role of introduced predators on the biological control of this mollusk.