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’.
Latin Name
Achatina achatina
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Animal 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 30cm x 15cm.
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.