Giant African Land Snail
Achatina fulica, Achatina achatina, Archachatina marginata, Limicolaria aurora
Scientists consider the giant African land snail (or GALS) to be one of the most damaging snails in the world because it is known to consume at least 500 different types of plants, and can pose a serious health risk to humans. These snails could be devastating to Florida agriculture and natural areas because they cause extensive damage to tropical and subtropical environments. GALS are illegal to import into the US without a permit. If you have seen one of these snails please contact the DPI helpline 888-397-1517.
Giant African land snail
Photograph courtesy of Andrew Derksen, Florida Cooperative Agriculture Pest Survey Program
GALS Junior Detective Program
Giant African land snail
Photograph courtesy of Andrew Derksen, Florida Cooperative Agriculture Pest Survey Program
Public Health Information
- Rat Lungworm confirmed in Giant African Land Snail Sample Collected in Miami-Dade County
- Florida Dept of Health Fact Sheet on Rat Lungworm Parasite
- Giant African Land Snails: CDC Health Information on Angiostrongyliasis (also known as Angiostrongylus Infection)
Giant African Land Snail Updates
- Florida GALS Science Symposium
- Media Advisory August 30, 2012
- GALS Quarantine Maps
- CNN International Going Green - GALS Segment
- Pest Alert - Giant African Land Snail and Giant South American Snails: Field Recognition
- Program Map
- Call 1-888-397-1517 to report snail sightings.
Snail Identification
- FDACS Snail ID sheet
- Photos of GALS
- Submit snail photo for Identification – Think you found a giant African land snail? Email a photo for identification. Please include your contact information in the email body.
Videos, YouTube
- 30 second theater ad
- 30 second public service announcement
- 30 second public service announcement (spanish subtitles)
- GALS B-roll 1 - September 2011
- GALS B-roll 2 - April 2013
- Giant African Snail Response Program
- Giant African Snail Response Program - Spanish
Videos for download
- GALS B Roll with Audio
- 30 second theater ad
- 30 second public service announcement
- 30 second public service announcement (spanish subtitles)
- GALS B-roll 1 - September 2011
- GALS B-roll 2 - April 2013
- Giant African Snail Response Program
- Giant African Snail Response Program - Spanish
Public Outreach
- FDACS Press Release - Giant African Land Snails Identified in Miami-Dade County
- FDACS Press Release - State and Federal Agencies Work Together to Prevent Introduction of Destructive Snail
- GALS Wanted Poster
- GALS Editorial Content
- GALS Media Coverage
Management
- Frequently Asked Questions about Boric Acid
- Frequently Asked Questions about Boric Acid - Spanish
- Frequently Asked Questions about Boric Acid - Creole
- Frequently Asked Questions about Iron Phosphate
- Frequently Asked Questions about Iron Phosphate - Spanish
- Frequently Asked Questions about Iron Phosphate - Creole
- Regulated Solid Waste Facilities - Approved for GALS
