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The Survival and Growth Performances of Giant African Land Snails (Achatina
Achatina and Archachatina Marginata) In The Late Dry And Early Rainy Seasons
In Northern Guinea Savanna,...

Article · January 2009

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 PAT 2009; 5 (1): 172-180 ISSN: 0794-5213
Online copy available at

www.patnsukjournal.net/currentissue
Publication of Faculty of Agriculture, Nasarawa State University, Keffi

The Survival and Growth Performances of Giant African Land Snails (Achatina
Achatina and Archachatina Marginata) In The Late Dry And Early Rainy Seasons
In Northern Guinea Savanna, Nigeria
*
Ogunjinmi A.A.1; Osunsina, I.O.O. 2 and Onyeagocha, N.

1. Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Port Harcourt,
P.M.B. 5323, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
2. Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta,
Ogun State, Nigeria.
*seak1402@gmail.com, seak1402@yahoo.co.uk

ABSTRACT
The study investigated the survival and growth performances of Achatina achatina and
Archachatina marginata in the late dry and early rainy seasons in Northern Guinea savanna,
Nigeria. It was carried out at Federal College of Wildlife Management, New Bussa, Niger
State. Sixty snails were used for the study in the late dry season (February and March, 2006)
and early rainy season (May and June, 2006) .i.e. thirty snails for each species in the late dry
and early rainy seasons respectively. Weekly data on mortality, weight, shell length and shell
aperture were taken. Temperature and humidity values for the period of the study were
obtained from National Electric Power Authority (now Power Holding Corporation of
Nigeria, PHCN), New Bussa. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics (tables,
frequencies, percentages and charts) and inferential statistics such as Pearson’s Correlation
Coefficients and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The study revealed that the percentage
mortality for the two species, Achatina achatina and Archachatina marginata was 70% during
the late dry season while it was 66.7% for Achatina achatina and 76.7% for Archachatina
marginata during the early rainy season. Also, the weight of both species decreased during the
late dry season but increased during the early rainy season. Shell length and shell aperture
remained constant during the late dry season while they increased during the early rainy
season. The study concluded that efforts should be geared towards providing optimum
environmental conditions (particularly temperature and humidity) in view of harsh weather
condition prevailing in the study area for a successful snail rearing.

Key words: Giant African Land Snail, Growth Performance, Northern Guinea Savanna,
Mortality, Survival, Season, Nigeria.

INTRODUC TION
Taxonomically, edible land snails belong to the phylum mollusca and class Gastropoda
which is by far the largest class of molluscs. The name ‘mollusc’ is derived from the
Latin word, molluscus (‘soft’), indicating that the mollusks are soft bodied animals.
Two genera of the edible land snail Achatina achatina and Archachatina marginata are
native of West Africa. Bequaert (1961) created eight sub-genera of all the Achatina
 PAT 2009; 5(1): 172-180 ISSN: 0794-5213; Ogunjimi et al..; The Survival and Growth Performances ….173

species occurring in Africa while Mead (1984) listed seven sub-species based on size,
shape and colour. The largest land snail is Achatina achatina (Wikipedia, 2006), which
can measure up to 30cm. The difference between Achatina spp and Archachatina spp is
largely in the ranges of habitat. Achatina is found throughout sub-Saharan Africa while
Archachatina spp inhabits less humid areas (Raut and Baker, 2002). Also, Achatina
species are considered to be extremely adapted to human-induced disturbed areas such
as plantations (Raut and Barker, 2002). The species most commonly reared and eaten in
Nigeria according to Hodasi (1984) and Omole (1997) is Archachatina marginata.

African giant snails serve an increasing important role in the tropics by virtue of their
survival under captive rearing, resistance to parasite and disease, ability to accept and
convert plant parts and artificial diets to flesh as well as being of high consumer
preferences (Ejidike et al., 2004). Although snail meat is a popular source of protein
among the forest inhabitants in Nigeria, seasonality according to Hodasi (1984) limits
its use. The supply is relatively higher during the rainy season (i.e. April to October),
which is the snail-breeding season than during the dry season (November to March). As
a result of this weather variation, prices become much higher during the dry season than
the rainy season (Ogogo, 1989). Climatic factors play a larger role in the survival,
growth and performance of any organism in any environment.

All organisms live in a varying physical environment of temperature, moisture, light

and nutrients. These factors differ from location to location, in latitude, region and
locality. In addition, at any location, the physical environment varies with time-yearly,
seasonally and daily (Smith and Smith, 1995). Most micro-climatic variables (relative
humidity, rainfall, photoperiod, temperature) are very important determinants of extent
at which animals can perform and their survival depends greatly on these variables
(Ejidike et al. 2004). Thompson and Cheney (2004) identified various factors that can
greatly influence the survival and growth of snails. These factors include humidity,
population density, stress, temperature, feed and the breeding technology used. Murphy
(2001) also listed humidity, temperature and light as environmental factors critical to
the activity, behaviour and reproduction of snails. Land snails prefer humid
environments for their optimum performance. Temperature is one of the determinants of
the amount of moisture in an environment and it is inversely proportional to relative
humidity. According to Pollard (1975), activities of land snails are closely related to
humidity and rainfall. High humidity is best for snail farming, when the temperature is
high, snails hibernate, and growth stops. Although they need damp environment, they
may drown in overly wet surrounding. Mead (1984) indicated that snails have the
ability to survive under unpleasant conditions and against natural barriers because of
 PAT 2009; 5(1): 172-180 ISSN: 0794-5213; Ogunjimi et al..; The Survival and Growth Performances ….174

possession of inherent characteristics such as high reproductive potential, ability to bury

eggs in the soil and the nocturnal habits.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was conducted at Federal College of Wildlife Management, New Bussa,
Niger State. New Bussa is within the Northern Guinea Savanna. Federal College of
Wildlife Management is located between Kainji Dam and New Bussa, about 2
kilometres along Awuru road and lies between latitude 70 801 and 100 001N and
longitude 40 301 and 40 331E. The College has an area of 2.56km2. The average monthly
minimum temperature is 340C, the highest value being 410C with a mean annual relative
humidity of 60 percent and mean annual rainfall of 104.45mm (Onadeko and Meduna,
1984). A total of 120 snails were used for the study (30 for Achatina achatina and
Archachatina marginata in February and March representing late dry season, and May
and June for early rainy season). The snails were housed in plastic basket and fed water
leaves. Watering is done twice in a day. Data were collected for 16 weeks (8 weeks per
season). Observations were made on the weekly mortality while measurements of
weight (g), shell length (cm), and shell aperture (cm) were also carried out weekly.
Temperature and humidity values for the period of the study were also obtained from
National Electric Power Authority (now Power Holding Corporation of Nigeria,
PHCN), New Bussa. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics (tables, frequencies,
percentages and charts) and inferential statistics such as Pearson’s Correlation
Coefficients and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA).

RESULTS
The study showed that the percentage mortality for Achatina achatina ranged from 10%
in the first week to 30% in the eighth week of the study during the late dry season
(Table 1), and 3.3% in the second week to 20% in the seventh for Archachatina
marginata. The total percentage mortality for both species was 70% while the mean
mortality was 2.62. Also, the percentage mortality during the early rainy season for
Achatina achatina ranged from 3.3% in the third week to 13.3% in the second, fourth
and eighth weeks, and 3.3% in the third week to 20% in the fourth week for
Archachatina marginata (Table 2). The total percentage mortality for Achatina
achatina was 66.7, and for Archachatina marginata it was 76.7. The mean mortality
was 2.50 for Achatina achatina and 2.88 for Achatina marginata during this period.

The study further showed that the weight of the two species decreased during the dry
season while it increased during the rainy season. The shell length of both species was
however constant during the dry season while it increased during the rainy season. Also,
 PAT 2009; 5(1): 172-180 ISSN: 0794-5213; Ogunjimi et al..; The Survival and Growth Performances ….175

the shell aperture of both species was constant during the dry season while it increased
during the rainy season (Table 3).
Average weekly temperature during the late dry season ranges from 39.1oC - 41.9oC
and 34oC - 41.6oC during the early rainy season. Also, relative humidity value during
the late dry season ranges from 48% - 67.9% and 74.6% - 95% during the early rainy
season (Table 4). The Pearson correlation of the environmental variables selected for
the study (temperature and humidity) and the growth parameters (weight, shell length
and shell aperture) showed that the growth parameters were significantly correlated
with the environmental variables (Table 5). However, temperature is negatively
correlated with the growth parameters while humidity is positively correlated with the
selected growth parameters (weight, shell length and shell aperture). Result of the
Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) indicated that there was no significant difference
(P>0.05) in the weekly growth performance of Achatina achatina and Archachatina
marginata in the late dry season (Table 6) while there was significant difference
(P<0.05) in the weekly growth performance of both species in the early rainy season
(Table 7).

DISCUSSION
The study showed that the selected environmental variables (temperature and humidity)
exert strong influence on the survival and growth of Achtina achatina and Archachatina
marginata in the study site. These temperatures ranges are too high for snail survival as
the appropriate temperatures range for optimum performance of snails in captivity as
recommended by Thompson and Cheney (2004) for all varieties of snails are 15oC-
24oC. The relative humidity range during the late dry season were also very low for
snails to survive, as it deviated markedly from recommended range of 75%-90%
(Murphy, 2001) and 75% and 95% (Thompson and Cheney, 2004). However, humidity
ranges for early rainy season is within the acceptable humidity range required for snails
to survive.

Percentage mortality of the snails during the periods of the study was an indication that
the environment of the study area is inhospitable for their survival. The reduction in the
weights, shell length and shell aperture of both species during the late dry season could
probably be attributed to poor conversion of feeds due to high temperature and low
humidity. Krebs (1978) observed that temperature and moisture are the master limiting
factors to the distribution of life on earth. Temperature can limit the distribution of a
species through its effects on the survival, reproduction, development of young
organisms and competition with other forms near the limits of temperature tolerance.
The nearer the conditions approaching the minimum and maximum tolerances of an
organism, the fewer the individuals (Smith and Smith, 1998). Environmental heat is
 PAT 2009; 5(1): 172-180 ISSN: 0794-5213; Ogunjimi et al..; The Survival and Growth Performances ….176

known to trigger off the incidence or occurrence of some diseases and higher mortality
during dry or hotter period (Sobayo et al., 2008). Studies by Ejidike et al (2004) showed
that the average body weight gain of Archachatina marginata were inversely
proportional to temperature and were directly proportional to humidity. Shell length and
shell width also increased as the body weight increased. Low weight was also recorded
by Ejidike et al (2004) in all the variables during the month of dry season.

CONCLUSION
The selected environmental variables for the study (temperature and humidity) are the
major limiting factors inhibiting successful domestication of snails in the study area.
This is occasioned by extremely high temperature prevailing in most of the months of
the year. Efforts should be geared towards providing optimum environmental conditions
(particularly temperature and humidity) in view of harsh weather condition prevailing in
the study area for a successful snail rearing.

Table 1: Weekly percentage mortality (late dry season)

Week Achatina achatina Archachatina marginata
Frequency % mortality Frequency %mortality

1 0 0.0 0 0.0
2 0 0.0 1 3.3
3 0 0.0 3 10.0
4 0 0.0 2 6.7
5 3 10.0 4 13.3
6 5 16.7 2 6.7
7 4 13.3 6 20.0
8 9 30.0 3 10.0
Total 21 70.0 21 70.0
Mean 2.62 2.62
 PAT 2009; 5(1): 172-180 ISSN: 0794-5213; Ogunjimi et al..; The Survival and Growth Performances ….177

Table 2: Weekly percentage mortality (early rainy season)

Week Achatina achatina Archachatina marginata
Frequency % mortality Frequency %mortality

1 0 0.0 0 0.0
2 4 13.3 4 13.3
3 1 3.3 1 3.3
4 4 13.3 6 20.0
5 3 10.0 5 16.7
6 2 6.7 - 0.0
7 2 6.7 5 16.7
8 4 13.3 2 6.7
Total 20 66.7 23 76.7
Mean 2.50 2.88

Table 3: Summary of growth performance of Achatina achatina and Archachatina

marginata in the late dry and early rainy seasons.
Parameters Late dry season Early rainy season
A. achatina A. marginata A. achatina A. marginata
Initial live weight 60 64 57 60
Final live weight 50 52 75 91
Mean live weight 55.4 58.5 66.3 76.4
Initial shell length 7.5 7.8 7.8 8.0
Final shell length 7.5 7.8 10.1 10.5
Mean shell length 7.5 7.8 8.9 9.3
Initial shell aperture 4.2 4.6 4.0 3.8
Final shell aperture 4.2 4.6 6.0 6.6
Mean shell aperture 4.2 4.6 5.1 5.6
PAT 2009; 5(1): 172-180 ISSN: 0794-5213; Ogunjimi et al..; The Survival and Growth Performances ….178

Table 4: Average weekly temperature and humidity values during the period of the
study.

Late dry season Early rainy season

Week Temperature Humidity Temperature Humidity
(oC) (%) (oC) (%)
1. 39.1 52.9 41.6 85.3
2. 39.9 67.9 36.9 95.0
3. 39.7 48.0 35.7 95.0
4. 41.5 57.4 36.0 82.0
5. 41.9 58.7 37.3 74.6
6. 39.5 50.6 34.2 80.0
7. 40.5 54.5 36.5 85.9
8. 41.1 62.0 35.7 82.1

Table 5: Correlation between the selected environmental variables (temperature and

humidity) and growth parameters (weight, shell length and shell aperture).
Environmental variables
Growth parameters Temperature Humidity
Weight -1.000** 1.000**
Shell length -1.000** 1.000**
Shell aperture -1.000** 1.000**

** Correlation is significant at 0.01 probability level.

Table 6: Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) of the weekly growth performance of

Achatina achatina and Archachatina marginata in the late dry season
Source of Variation SS df MS F P-value F crit
Between Groups 39.0625 1 39.0625 2.299002 0.151708 4.60011
Within Groups 237.875 14 16.99107
Total 276.9375 15
P≤0.05
PAT 2009; 5(1): 172-180 ISSN: 0794-5213; Ogunjimi et al..; The Survival and Growth Performances ….179

Table 7: Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) of the weekly growth performance of

Achatina achatina and Archachatina marginata in the early raining season
Source of Variation SS df MS F P-value F crit
Between Groups 410.0625 1 410.0625 6.558189 0.022634 4.60011
Within Groups 875.375 14 62.52679
Total 1285.438 15
P≤0.05

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