Study of the biology and ecology of the gastropod Achatina fulica Bowdich, 1822 (MOLLUSCA, GASTROPODA) in the city of Caraguatatuba, North Coast of the State of São Paulo Daiana de Oliveira Santana, Judith Font Batalla

Abstract

Invasive species are responsible for threatening biodiversity, causing various damages to natural ecosystems, the economy and putting human health at risk. Invasive alien species are considered the second major cause of biodiversity loss after habitat loss and degradation. An invasive species of great medical importance is the Achatina fulica gastropod, known as the African snail, which has a potential for transmission of two zoonoses (Meningite eosinofílica e Angiostrongilíase abdominal) caused by worms. Specimens of this species are present in at least 23 of the 26 Brazilian states, being classified among the one hundred worst invasive alien species of worldwide occurrence. The objective of this research was to verify the presence of A. fulica in the city of Caraguatatuba (São Paulo, Brazil) and to record its behavior based on field observations. The results indicated the presence of the gastropod in 16 of the 17 sites analyzed. Regarding the behavior, a population increase was observed in rainy season, especially in abandoned sites with accumulation of debris and/or organic matter that compose for the increase and proliferation of the species.