Distribution and Feeding Preference of Giant African snail Lissachatina fulica (Bowdich 1820) in Dakshina Kannada District of Karnataka

Lissachatina fulica is a polyphytophagous pest effecting native biodiversity and agricultural crops. Considering this the distribution and feeding preferences of Lissachatina fulica in three sites of Karnataka state was observed. The snails were fed with leaves of commonly available garden plants like Areca catechu, Basella alba, Carica papaya, Piper betel and their consumption was recorded. Abundance of Lissachatina fulica was more in Arecanut plantation (68 snails/quadrate), followed by home gardens and least in river bank. Among the single types of plant leaves and combination of leaves of provided to check the preferential plants for feeding, consumption of Areca catechu, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Musa parasidisiaca, Carica papaya, Basella alba was maximum than the other plants. The abundance of these plants in the selected sites was observed and snails were found actively feeding on these plants. Thus, abundance of Lissachatina fulica in Dakshina Kannada district could be attributed to the presence of these plants for feeding. However, plants preferred by Gaint African snails can be good baits to trap these snails, aiding in pest control and crop protection. The thorough comprehension of the feeding behaviour relating to the crop types can enable targeted crop protection strategies such as precision-based crop protection approaches.