Giant African land snail
Achatina fulica
Classification: Gastropod
Lifespan: 6-10 years
Threats: Hermit crab, coconut crab and some bird species
Distribution: East Africa
Habitat: Forest floor
Appearance: Giant African land snails can grow up to 12 cm in length and weight up to 600 g. They can be identified by their mottled brown, conical-shaped shells which have vertical stripes and a yellow foot
Diet & Feeding: Leaf litter
Social Behaviour: Giant African land snails are nocturnal, moving around at night to feed. With the exception of mating, snails spend much of their time alone
Males and females: The giant African land snails are hermaphrodite which means that they have both male and female the reproduction organs
Number of young: They lay about 200 eggs
Interesting fact: Giant African land snails can drastically reduce its metabolism and survive for a few months or even a few years without food