CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -GALS, listed as one of the world’s 100 most invasive species by the International Union of Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), are creating havoc in some states like Kerala. They compete with native snails and feed on several types of plants and crops.

Detailed explanation-2: -Sometimes introduced as a food source and sometimes farmed to produce cosmetic creams, the giant African snail is spreading throughout southern and eastern Asia, the Pacific Basin, the West Indies, and South America. This snail has wreaked havoc on agriculture, tourism, and ecosystems.

Detailed explanation-3: -The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) confirmed there were giant African land snails in the New Port Richey area of Pasco County on June 23, according to FDACS’ website.

Detailed explanation-4: -The giant African land snail (GALS) is one of the most damaging snails in the world and consumes at least 500 different types of plants. These snails could be devastating to Florida agriculture and natural areas as they cause extensive damage to tropical and subtropical environments.

Detailed explanation-5: -Giant African land snails are nocturnal (most active at night) and native to damp areas of Africa, south of the Sahara.