Confirmed sightings of Giant African Snail in Tobago, eradication team takes action

Trinidad and Tobago: Several areas of Tobago have confirmed sightings of the Giant African Snail which needs to be removed at the earliest. The town of Carnbee is the most impacted by this species.

The Eradication Team of the Division of Food Security, Natural Resources, the Environment and Sustainability will be active in various parts of the island on a regular basis to carry out the Giant African Snail (GAS) Management Strategy.

The Division urged the citizens to help them in this process and said, "Help us control the Giant African Snail!! If you reside in the following areas, the Giant African snail is in your neighbourhood!"

The Division also shared the eradication schedule with the date and times for the citizens. While sharing it, the Division asked everyone to come out and volunteer in this process.

"Come out to volunteer with closed-toe footwear and a torch light. More eyes equals more snails intercepted!! To volunteer, please WhatsApp the Plant Protection Hotline at 482-7528," they outlined. The schedule of the eradication process is as follows:

Tuesday, January 9 - James Terrance Lowlands and Environs (6 pm)

Wednesday, January 10 - Carnbee SDA Church and Jan De Moore, Carnbee (6 pm)

Thursday, January 11 - Taylor Drive, Carnbee (6 pm)

Friday, January 12 - Mt Grace Flats and Felicity Heights Whim (6 pm)

Earlier also, the Giant African Snail has been spotted in Tobago several times, and the Division works hard to eradicate it in order to prevent it from causing any damage.

Last year, the prevalence of Giant African snails forced officials to change the venue for the annual World Food Day exhibition. Normally held at the Parade Grounds in Bacolet, it moves to the Food Hub in Shaw Park on October 18th and 19th.

With its insatiable appetite for a wide range of plants, the Giant African Snail poses a significant threat to Tobago's food security. Originally hailing from East Africa, the snail has become a serious agricultural pest on the island of Tobago, requiring urgent eradication efforts.