The Giant Tiger Land Snail (Achatina achatina) is a large African land snail featured in the Standard Edition of Planet Zoo.
Zoopedia Description[]
General[]
Population in the Wild: Unknown
The giant tiger land snail (or Achatina achatina) is a large species of gastropod that lives in the woodland areas of West Africa; specifically Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana and Nigeria, among others. They have a grey body and a conical shell that's yellow, orange or tan with black stripes - the distinctive pattern being the inspiration for their name. The species is hermaphroditic, possessing both male and female reproductive parts, so there are no distinct 'males' and 'females'. However, small or sub-adult individuals have often not yet developed the reproductive parts and so may be considered 'males'.
Social[]
Giant tiger land snails do not actively live in groups, but are passive enough to tolerate others without aggression.
Reproduction[]
When interested in mating, a snail will approach another and see if they reciprocate interest by touching them with their antennae. As snails are hermaphroditic, the larger individual takes on the role of the female, with the two entwining while mating for fertilization to take place. The female will then dig a shallow nest in the forest floor in which to lay her eggs.
After 10 to 31 days, these hatch - usually just as the rainy season begins - and the young snails must feed to become larger and strengthen their shells before the dry season hits. Giant tiger land snails reach sexual maturity as males at 2 years old, and at this point they are able to fertilize a female. However, it may take up to 3 years for them to be mature enough to act as the female. A fully mature snail will be able to take on the role of either the male or female in copulation.
Animal Care[]
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Trivia[]
Zoopedia Fun Facts[]
- The giant tiger land snail is the largest species of land snail in the world, with the largest individuals reaching a length and diameter of 12in x 6in.
- Giant tiger land snails are threatened by habitat loss and over-hunting by humans.
- In Ghana, giant tiger land snails are considered a delicacy and are often hunted for food.
- The giant tiger land snail has been accidentally introduced to the USA and the Caribbean, where it is considered a pest.
- Giant tiger land snails have mouthparts called 'radulae' that are covered in many tiny 'teeth' used to feed by rasping them against vegetation.
Other Trivia[]
- The giant tiger land snail is the only mollusc in Planet Zoo.
Gallery[]
