Eine afrikanische Schnecke als ein sich ausbreitender Schädling in Pflanzungen warmer Länder

(1) Snails of the family Achatinidae, distributed throughout Africa except the palaearctic area of this continent, often appear in great numbers in the plantations and then become a pest. The snails are eaten by the negroes. (2) On Madagascar, where fossil Achatinas are not known, 2 species, Achatina (Lissachatina) fulica fulica Bowdich and Achatina (Lissachatina) panthera Férussac, have been introduced as food by the natives from the African Continent. These snails were living on Madagascar when the Europeans entered the country. About the beginning of the 19th century the 2 species of snails spread over the groups of islands around Madagascar. (3) Only Achatina fulica fulica Bowdich has been introduced in further countries. In 1847 specimens of the species were brought from Mauritius to Calcutta and liberated there. (4) The distribution of the species over numerous countries of the Indic and Pazific within the last 100 years is the subject of this article. During the second world-war the territory of the snail increased enormously, and with the return of military supplies from the theatres of war snails were brought into California and South Australia. (5) The possibilities of further distribution of Achatina fulica Bowdich is dealt with. If this tropical snail had a chance of being introduced to the West Indies, Gentral or South America, it could probably find suitable conditions and become a pest in plantations there. (6) The possibilities for a control of Achatina fulica Bowdich are discussed.