New record of Lissachatina fulica in Italy
In Italy Lissachatina fulica (Gastropoda: Achatinidae - giant African snail) was first recorded in October 2018 in a small urban park in Emilia-Romagna region and subsequently eradicated (EPPO RS 2019/039, RS 2020/112).
In September 2022, one adult specimen of L. fulica was captured live by a park ranger in the Avigliana Lakes Nature Park (Piemonte region), near the shore of the Great Lake. This protected area is part of the European Natura 2000 network. The specimen was identified by morphological and molecular tests.
Following the first finding, a systematic survey was organized to identify any other individuals and/or signs of their presence (e.g. broken shells). No other specimens and/or signs of their presence were found. The authors hypothesized that the specimen was a pet that had been released in the wild and underline the need to raise awareness of this invasive species, as it could establish and cause damage in Mediterranean countries.
Sources
Gabetti A, Maganza A, Prearo M, Riina MV, Nodari S, Rizzioli B, Mangini V, Di Tizio L, Acutis P, Dondo A, Esposito G (2023) First report of giant African snail (Lissachatina fulica) in a protected area of the Cottian Alps, Northwest Italy. Sustainability 15(11), 8633. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15118633