Invasion of the Argentinean Paranense rainforest by the giant African snail Achatina fulica

Abstract

The tropical land snail Achatina fulica Bowdich, 1822, native to Africa is reported for the first time in Argentina, in Puerto Iguazú city, Misiones Province. This city is enclosed by protected areas. Three randomly selected one-square-meter plots for snail sampling were marked off in private gardens and in the area surrounding an urban stream. High density detected could have ecological, sanitary and economic consequences which have already been documented in other countries.