In a concerning development, the San Juan/Laventille Corporation is on high alert as the presence of the destructive Giant African Snails (GAS) has been detected in forested areas along the North Coast, reaching as far as Las Cuevas. This invasive pest poses a significant threat to crops and ecosystems due to its capacity to carry diseases and parasites. During a recent Joint Select Committee meeting on the Giant African Snail and the Moruga Locust, Simone Moses, a Public Health Inspector at the Corporation, raised the alarm about the “massive infestations” observed:
- After flooding and in overgrown lots, the GAS populations have surged.
- Particularly alarming is the extensive infestation seen along the North Coast up to Las Cuevas.
- Officials are grappling with the daunting task of tackling this growing problem.
A heavy infestation is defined as having over 1,000 snails per square area, with each snail capable of producing up to 1,200 eggs per year. Given that these snails are hermaphrodites, they can reproduce without needing a mate. As a result, the eradication of these pests presents a significant challenge.
Officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Land, and Fisheries are diligently searching for ‘egg beds’ in forested areas to curb the spread of GAS. However, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government, Peter Mitchell, highlighted that County Caroni is heavily infested due to its water courses facilitating snail movements. Unfortunately, complete eradication is deemed unlikely due to the prolific reproductive capabilities of the Giant African Snails and the absence of natural predators.
Various strategies are being employed to manage the GAS populations, including chemical treatments and physical removal techniques. However, the focus is on controlling the numbers to prevent further ecosystem disruption. Stakeholders are working in collaboration to develop comprehensive pest management strategies that consider the environmental impact and safety concerns.
To encourage public participation in removing the snails, a successful pilot project offered cash rewards for collecting GAS in certain areas. Over 5,000 kilograms of snails were gathered through this initiative, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in combating the infestation. It is crucial for individuals to take proactive measures like regular property checks and safe removal of snails to limit their spread.
Furthermore, maintaining cleanliness and vigilance in identifying GAS-infested areas is essential to prevent the pests from proliferating. Collaboration between neighbors and community members can also help in keeping the snail populations in check. Additionally, the public is urged to refrain from consuming or handling these pests due to health risks associated with disease transmission.
As efforts to reinstate a task force on the Giant African Snail are underway, there is a renewed focus on implementing a unified approach to manage the infestation effectively. The transition from eradication to management mode since 2016 has necessitated a coordinated effort among various agencies to address the ongoing threat posed by GAS.
In conclusion, the battle against the Giant African Snails requires a multi-faceted approach involving community engagement, effective pest control measures, and environmental awareness. By working together and taking proactive steps, we can mitigate the impact of these invasive pests and safeguard our ecosystems for the future.
