Tobago in Crisis: Giant African Snail invasion spirals out of control, 19 areas overrun

Trinidad and Tobago: The island of Tobago is fighting the rapid spread of the invasive species, the Giant African Snail. In 2022, there were three confirmed sightings of this species, but this has increased to a shocking 19 confirmed areas in 2024.

The Division of Food Security announced that the Giant African Snail is spreading rapidly in Tobago with the Eradication team working tirelessly every week to manage the snails. 

It is to be noted that managing the Giant African Snail is becoming critical and the island has now identified 19 sites in Tobago with confirmed infestations. 

The areas where this species have been spotted is as follows:

1. Lambeau/Auchenskeoch (Belgroves)

2. Mt. Grace Flats

3. Felicity Heights Whim

4. Eboe Gully Les Coteaux

5. Calder Hall/Friendsfield

6. Carnbee #2/Montgomery Local Road

7. Milford Road, Lower Scarborough

8. Phelby Drive Canaan Feeder Road

9. Shaw Park (Works dept. storage area)

10. Jan De Moore, Carnbee

11. James Terrace, Lowlands & environs

12. Pumpmill/Wilson Road

13. Rockley Vale

14. Carnbee SDA Church & environs

15. Taylor Drive, Carnbee

16. Riseland (In the vicinity of the Mt. Pleasant Credit Union)

17. Calder Hall Road (opposite St. Andrews Anglican Primary School)

18.Shirvan Road (in the vicinity of Barhop-in)

19. Allfields Crown Trace, Mt. Pleasant

The invasive species is capable of destroying any type of plant at a rapid pace and they are also vectors for the meningitis disease. It also consumes a vast range of plant species which includes vegetable crops, fruit trees, root crops, ornamentals and forest trees across the Caribbean. 

The Division is warning the Tobagonians to be on the lookout for the snail which is reddish brown in colour and has cream stripes on it. 

The Plant Protection Specialist, Casey Marie Boucher – Koon Koon urged the general public to volunteer and help this rapid spread of these snails. 

While calling out everyone, she said that the eradication is only possible if he there are a number of people who collaboratively take on this task and help the Division in removing this species. 

Last week, the division removed hundreds of snails by using an integrated approach. The team used a bait which draws this species out and as they eat it, they die. 

Boucher also urged the public to follow general cultural practices such as keeping the areas clean, free of weeds, overgrowth, rubbish and debris to help to reduce this pest.