Detailed report on an invasive snail species and their dangerous eggs An invasive snail species and the danger of their pink eggs
The Lumaca mela - or also known as apple snail - is an invasive species originally from South America. These snails have spread to various parts of the world and cause significant damage there. Of particular concern are their conspicuous pink eggs, which are not only dangerous for the environment, but also for human health.
The apple snail was originally introduced to many regions of the world to clean aquariums and to be kept as an exotic pet. However, their ability to reproduce and adapt quickly has led them to be considered an invasive species in many ecosystems. Once released or abandoned, the snails find optimal conditions to reproduce and displace native species.
Biological characteristics and behaviors
The apple snail has a characteristic appearance: it has a large, usually reddish-brown snail shell and can reach a considerable size of up to 15 cm. Their conspicuous pink eggs are laid in clusters, often found on plants or firmer surfaces near water.
A remarkable behavior of these snails is their ability to live both underwater and on land. This allows them to reproduce and survive easily even in dry periods. Under optimal conditions, females can produce several hundred eggs at once, leading to an exponential increase in population.
Ecological impacts
The apple snail has massive impacts on the ecosystems where it has been introduced.They mainly feed on aquatic plants, leading to a significant reduction in plant diversity. This in turn has negative effects on other animal species that rely on these plants as a food source or habitat. In regions such as Southeast Asia and North America, the damages caused by the apple snail are so severe that it is considered a threat to local flora and fauna.
In addition, the snails contribute to the deterioration of water quality, as their appetite for plant fragments and their excretions increase water turbidity. This can reduce the oxygen content in the water and deteriorate living conditions for fish and other aquatic animals.
Hazards to humans
In addition to the ecological damage, the pink eggs of the apple snail also pose a danger to humans. These eggs contain potential toxins that can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions upon contact. It becomes particularly dangerous when the eggs are accidentally ingested - this can lead to serious health problems.
In some cases, these eggs also harbor pathogens such as the parasite Angiostrongylus cantonensis, which can cause a severe form of meningitis in humans. Therefore, it is generally advised to avoid affected areas or exercise extreme caution when coming into contact with the eggs.
Measures for control
In order to minimize the further spread of the apple snail and the associated dangers, special measures have been taken in many affected regions. These include the mechanical removal of snails and eggs, the use of biological control agents such as natural predators, and the use of chemical agents to reduce the population.
An important aspect of control is public education. Through information and awareness, people should be made aware of the dangers and encouraged not to release exotic pets into nature. It is also recommended to report suspected cases of invasive species to the relevant authorities.
Conclusion
The apple snail and its pink eggs pose a serious threat to both the environment and human health. However, targeted measures and comprehensive public education can contribute to the containment of this invasive species.
Source: Nature Conservation Authority Berlin, Invasive Species Database, Environmental Research Munich e.V.
Author: Anita Faake, Friday, June 7, 24
