The Bedford Estates, London
Overview
These aren’t your average sized snail that you’ll find in your garden. Despite their slow, slimy appearance, the giant African land snails are fragile and extraordinary to get close to.
Come and see the giant African land snails in the ‘Disscovery Zone' (only open at set times throughout the day).
All about us
| Distribution: | Native to Eastern Africa |
|---|---|
| Habitat: | Found in agricultural areas, coast land, natural forest, planted forests, shrub lands, urban areas, and wetlands |
| Height: | 7-10 cm (3-4 in.) (Shell length) |
| Weight: | Around 250 grams |
| Lifespan: | Average 5-6 years but can live up 10 years |
About us
Scientific name: Achatina fulica
Giant African land snails are nocturnal, moving around at night to feed on a wide range of plants.
Their conical shell is a brown colour with weak darker markings that appear as bands across the spiral, although the colouration can vary. The mantle, the fleshy part inside the shell through which the foot protrudes, is a pale yellowish colour. The columella, the smooth inner surface to the opening of the shell is also yellow. The ‘head’ portion of the foot is light brown but the rest of the foot is paler with markings.
