Giant African Land Snail
Achatina fulica, Achatina achatina, Archachatina marginata, Limicolaria aurora
Scientists consider the giant African land snail 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
Giant African land snail
Photograph courtesy of Andrew Derksen, Florida Cooperative Agriculture Pest Survey Program
Giant African Land Snail Updates
- Video - 30 second public service announcement
- Video - Giant African Snail Response Program
- 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.
- FDACS Press Release - Giant African Land Snails Identified in Miami-Dade County
- Survey Map
- Call (888)397-1517 to report snail sightings.
- 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
- GALS Wanted Poster
- FDACS Snail ID sheet
- Video of GALS
- Photos of GALS
- GALS Editorial Content
- GALS Media Coverage
- Pest Alert - Giant African Land Snail and Giant South American Snails: Field Recognition
- USDA Giant African Snail Pest Alert
- USDA Giant African Snail ID card
- CAPS Giant African Snail Survey Report (1.98MB)
- FDACS Press Release - State and Federal Agencies Work Together to Prevent Introduction of Destructive Snail
- USDA general information about giant African land snails
- Florida Dept of Health Fact Sheet on Rat Lungworm Parasite
- Giant African Land Snails: CDC Health Information on Angiostrongyliasis (also known as Angiostrongylus Infection)
- Okeechobee Snails - UF/IFAS
