INDORE: You might have seen some insects invading earth in numerous Hollywood movies, now its time to get real. A giant dangerous snail is gradually invading Madhya Pradesh, threatening to consume plants and plaster and infect humans along its way. The creature known as the Giant African Land Snail (GALS) has been listed as of one of the world's 100 most invasive species by International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural resources (IUCN).
According to researchers the slow moving sloth not only can consume at least 500 different types of plants but can cause structural damages to plaster and stucco and can carry a parasitic nematode that can lead to meningitis (brain fever) in human. It was first reported at Varahmihir Forest Nursery located at Malhar Ashram campus, Indore around two years back since then its presence has been reported in Dhamod and Bhopal. Number of GALS is increasing rapidly and it is feared to spread in different parts of states.
Chief Conservator of Forest (Research & Extension) Pankaj Shrivastav, who is carrying out research on GALS, said that invasion of GALS is no more a remote threat for Madhya Pradesh. They are reportedly breeding very rapidly and eating plants and garbage voraciously and the extent of infestation was serious enough to brand it as a 'biological invasion'.
In order to arrest its spread and possible damages, research and extension wing of forest department has send a proposal to Madhya Pradesh Bio-diversity Board for preliminary exploration of methods for prevention and control of damage due to biological invasion of GALS in and around Indore and Bhopal. "Recent reporting of GALS once again from Bhopal and Dhamod should be considered as an alarm signal warranting need of a proper study followed by prophylactic and remedial measures," said Shrivastav.
Elaborating about the project, he said that it would involve around identification of areas affected by GALS, research on cause of infestation, study of biology, feeding and breeding behaviour and experimentation on control measures of GALS. "Project would have focus on identification of areas specific problems and cost effective environment friendly solutions," he said adding that economic implications of ignoring or shelving the issue could be huge for Madhya Pradesh in coming years.
Atul Shrivastav of Capital Project, Bhopal said that number of GALS is increasing. They are not sure about the reasons for abrupt proliferation of GALS there but general inference is that it has been triggered by climate change.
Dr Vikas Choudhary, who had spotted GALS in some soyabean fields in the region, said that it had made life miserable for people in some parts of Kerela and Karnatka. Its spread in the region can cause huge damage to agriculture and horticulture crops.
Researchers say that giant snail can grow up to eight inches in length and more than four inches in diameter. It can live as long as nine yeas, each snail contains both female and male reproductive organs and every mated adult lays about 1,200 eggs each year.
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