en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Colombian Agricultural Institute (Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario, ICA), the Regional Autonomous Corporation of Quindío (Corporación Autónoma Regional del Quindío, CRQ), and the Municipality of Buenavista have jointly launched a prevention and control campaign against the African giant snail. The African giant snail (Achatina fulica), one of the 100 most threatening invasive alien species, may impact local production systems, ecosystems, and human health.

This campaign aims to support agricultural producers and communities through prevention, monitoring, and eradication measures. The ICA noted that the African giant snail has high reproductive capacity and invasiveness, making it prone to colonizing different areas. Meanwhile, the ICA reiterated that the breeding or possession of this mollusk for any purpose is prohibited in Colombia.

In Buenavista, staff conducted mollusk identification activities, collecting newborn, juvenile, and adult specimens on site. Experts also explained the morphological characteristics of the snail to the community, along with knowledge related to its biology, ecology, and behavior.

The activities also included the safe collection of specimens in accordance with the National Interagency Plan for the Prevention and Control of the African Giant Snail, and the treatment and disposal of snails using salt and lime. Subsequently, staff explained the final disposal process of deep burial at a safe location on the site. The ICA stated that controlling this pest requires timely detection and coordinated efforts among authorities, producers, and communities. Environmental education processes, especially outreach to children and communities, are important tools for strengthening prevention and responsible management of this invasive species.