Invasive Species in Malaysia
Malaysia
Malaysia
- A tropical rainforest
- No seasons
- Rain, constant heat, high humidity
- Located near the equator
Invasive species in Malaysia
Common name: Golden Apple Snail
Scientific name: Pomacea canaliculata (mollusc)
Native to: Argentina
When, Where & How?
How was it introduced?
- First detected in 1991 in fishponds in Selangor
- Was illegally smuggled into the country for commercial rearing purposes
- Deliberately introduced to uncontained wetland systems in the hope of harvesting the snails for food
- Isolated areas such as fish ponds, unused tin mines and rice fields
Laying eggs
Effects on the natives
The Impact
- Easily spread through the extensive networks of irrigation canals
- A threat to large rice-growing areas where the crop is raised through wet direct seedlings
- Potential damage could be devastating, as this provides an environment conducive to snail infestations
- The snail feeds voraciously on young rice seedlings under wet conditions, causing great losses to farmers.
Measures taken
- Chemical control
- Duck pasturing
- Mechanical control
Measures