• Ensayos

    A Forgotten Giant: A Call to Protect the Native Snail Megalobulimus oblongus (Mollusca, Strophocheilidae) in Colombia

    Vol. 10 No. 20 (2014)
    Published: 2014-06-01
    Adriana Paola Páez
    Andrea Carolina Calderón
    Ivan Andres Pineda
    Luz Helena Velásquez
    Julian Ruiz
    The native snail Megalobulimus oblongus, also known as guácara, criollo snail or caracol de boca rosada (pink-mouth snail), is a South American species of land snail found in Colombia, Bolivia, Brazil and Venezuela. It is about 100 mm high and 60 mm wide with a thick, pink apertural lip, four tentacles on the head, and big flaps on both sides of the oral region. It has nocturnal, detritivorous habits and can live up to 14 years. From a dietary point of view, it has important features that position it as a high quality nutritional source that could be a good food supplement for humans and animals. Additionally, it has great potential for cosmetic and craft industry. However, its existence is currently threatened by habitat destruction and removal of specimens from their natural settlements for illegal trade due to its similarity in size to the giant African snail. The aim of this essay is to appeal to the national scientific community to develop strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of this native snail through a deep study of its nutritional, cosmetic and craft potential.
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    How to Cite

    Adriana Paola, Calderón, A. C., Pineda, I. A., Velásquez, L. H., & Ruiz , J. (2014). A Forgotten Giant: A Call to Protect the Native Snail Megalobulimus oblongus (Mollusca, Strophocheilidae) in Colombia. Spei Domus, 10(20), 49-51. https://doi.org/10.16925/sp.v10i20.909

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