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

Adriana Paola Páez

Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia. Sede Bucaramanga.

Andrea Carolina Calderón

Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia. Sede Bucaramanga.

Ivan Andres Pineda

Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia. Sede Bucaramanga.

Luz Helena Velásquez

Universidad de Antioquia

Julian Ruiz

Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia. Sede Bucaramanga.

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.
Keywords: Caracoles, Conservación de los Recursos Naturales, Especies en Peligro de Extinción, Malacología.
Published
2014-06-01
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https://plu.mx/plum/a/?doi=10.16925/sp.v10i20.909