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THE VARIED ROLES OF SNAILS - National Universities Commission

THE VARIED ROLES OF SNAILS - National Universities Commission

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meat with garlic. British species are also well accepted as<br />

meat in most countries.<br />

It is now known that edible snails can be farmed using<br />

different pen systems, Cages and Tanks. The snails have<br />

high biotic potentials and large net reproductive rates (Ro)<br />

and so have the capacity to thrive well in captivity. The can<br />

feed on a large variety of readily available plant food<br />

materials. It has been proven that rearing the snails in<br />

captivity helps in sustainable supply of snail meat to meet<br />

the increasing demand for snail meat and in conserving<br />

these animals. The adult grow up to 200mm and weigh<br />

about 250g.<br />

<strong>THE</strong> KNOWN EDIBLE SNAIL SPECIES<br />

In Africa and Europe, the following are edible snails.<br />

Besides the species listed there are many more species in<br />

many countries of the world.<br />

Table: 3: List of Land Snail Families from<br />

Africa<br />

S/No Families<br />

Genera<br />

in Africa<br />

Endemic<br />

Genera<br />

1. Maizaniidae 3 3<br />

2. Cyclophoridae 4 3<br />

3. Pomatiasidae 2 2<br />

4. Hydrocenidae 1 -<br />

5. Veronicellidae 3 2<br />

6. Orculidae 2 2<br />

7. Chondrinidae 1 -<br />

8. Pupillidae 4 -<br />

9. Valloniidae 2 -<br />

63

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