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First Report of Giant African Snail ( Lissachatina fulica ) in a Protected Area of the Cottian Alps, Northwest Italy

Author

Listed:
  • Alice Gabetti

    (The Veterinary Medical Research Institute for Piemonte, Liguria and Valle d’Aosta, 10154 Torino, Italy
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Alessandra Maganza

    (The Veterinary Medical Research Institute for Piemonte, Liguria and Valle d’Aosta, 10154 Torino, Italy
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Marino Prearo

    (The Veterinary Medical Research Institute for Piemonte, Liguria and Valle d’Aosta, 10154 Torino, Italy)

  • Maria Vittoria Riina

    (The Veterinary Medical Research Institute for Piemonte, Liguria and Valle d’Aosta, 10154 Torino, Italy)

  • Sabrina Nodari

    (The Veterinary Medical Research Institute for Piemonte, Liguria and Valle d’Aosta, 10154 Torino, Italy)

  • Barbara Rizzioli

    (Regione Piemonte, Settore Sviluppo Sostenibile, Biodiversità ed Aree Naturali, 10123 Torino, Italy)

  • Valentina Mangini

    (Ente di Gestione delle Aree Protette delle Alpi Cozie, 10050 Torino, Italy)

  • Luciano Di Tizio

    (WWF Italia, 00198 Rome, Italy)

  • Pierluigi Acutis

    (The Veterinary Medical Research Institute for Piemonte, Liguria and Valle d’Aosta, 10154 Torino, Italy)

  • Alessandro Dondo

    (The Veterinary Medical Research Institute for Piemonte, Liguria and Valle d’Aosta, 10154 Torino, Italy)

  • Giuseppe Esposito

    (The Veterinary Medical Research Institute for Piemonte, Liguria and Valle d’Aosta, 10154 Torino, Italy)

  • Paolo Pastorino

    (The Veterinary Medical Research Institute for Piemonte, Liguria and Valle d’Aosta, 10154 Torino, Italy)

Abstract

The Giant African snail ( Lissachatina fulica ) is listed among the top 100 worst invasive alien species. Native to East Africa, it has been introduced voluntarily or accidentally into more than 50 countries, where it impacts negatively on biodiversity, ecosystems, agriculture, and public health. Here we describe for the first time the finding of a specimen of L. fulica in a protected area of the Cottian Alps (Avigliana Lakes Nature Park, northwest Italy). The snail underwent morphometric analysis and species identification. Given its reproductive characteristics (i.e., hermaphroditism with self-fertilization), it poses a potential threat to the biodiversity of the area and is a vector of zoonotic parasites for humans and animals. Health monitoring of specimens found in the wild and those kept as pets is of crucial importance, as is the establishment of monitoring plans in these areas.

Suggested Citation

  • Alice Gabetti & Alessandra Maganza & Marino Prearo & Maria Vittoria Riina & Sabrina Nodari & Barbara Rizzioli & Valentina Mangini & Luciano Di Tizio & Pierluigi Acutis & Alessandro Dondo & Giuseppe Es, 2023. "First Report of Giant African Snail ( Lissachatina fulica ) in a Protected Area of the Cottian Alps, Northwest Italy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-9, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:11:p:8633-:d:1156121
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