Biometric characteristics of sampled snails in Makurdi metropolis, Benue state Nigeria

Abstract

Snails are one of the most diverse groups of animals usually found in cool environment. Knowledge on
microhabitat and snails biometric is important to snail farmers and researchers. This study investigated the biometric characteristics (snail length, diameter and weight) and assessed the floristic composition of their habitat from April to October 2013. (Achusa, Agbough, University of Agriculture Makurdi, NASME and Makurdi Zoological garden) were selected. Descriptive statistics and ANOVA were used for data analysis. Three species of snails were identified (Achatina achatina, Achatina depravata and Bulinus truncatus) and a total of 2,030 snails were collected. Daniellia oliveri formed the dominant plant species; however, both sample locations had a considerable composition of both vegetation species and snails species sampled. The mean shell weight of A. achatina (10.63 + 7.13g) is higher than A. depravata and B. truncates. The mean shell length of A. achatina was significantly different (P<0.05) from A. depravata and B. truncates. The mean shell diameter of A. achatina (5.29 + 1.04cm) was higher compared with A. depravata and B. truncates which were not significantly different ( p>0.05).To ensure sustainable availability of snail in Makurdi metropolis the establishment of commercial snail farms that can meet the short-fall between demand and supply from the wild during the rainy season is imperative.