Channeled Applesnail Research-

Stephen F. Austin State University

Project Description:  This project supports the research of Channeled Applesnail (Pomacea canaliculata), a large gastropod that feeds heavily on both aquatic and terrestrial macrophytes, with additional depredations documented on native mollusks.  It has been introduced at locations throughout the Indo-Pacific Region where it has become a major threat to crops.  The species has also become established at sites in Florida and Southern California, but not in agricultural areas.  However, there have been recent indications of apparent ecological problems associated with populations in Florida. Channeled applesnail first became a subject of concern in Texas in July 2000 when reproducing populations were discovered in the American Canal (a rice irrigation canal) and adjacent Mustang Bayou in Galveston and Brazoria counties located between Houston and Galveston.  Surveys conducted in late 2000 and early 2001 documented this snail at over a dozen locations in Harris, Galveston, and Brazoria counties in southeastern Texas and one location in Tarrant County near Fort Worth.  In June 2001, Tropical Storm Allison flooded much of southeastern Texas and dispersed channeled applesnails even more widely.  By mid-2002, rice farmers in Galveston and Brazoria counties reported these snails entering rice fields.  By late 2002, there were additional reports of channeled applesnail having spread to Fort Bend County.

Because of the massive agricultural damage being done to crops in the Indo-Pacific, including Hawaii, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has been especially concerned about the presence of channeled applesnail in the Texas rice belt that supports a billion dollar industry annually.  USDA has subsequently prepared a risk analysis of the species and has legally prohibited the entire family (except of spiketop applesnail).  Additionally, because of the potential environmental damage associated with this species, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department added channeled applesnail to its list of legally-prohibited harmful and potentially harmful exotic shellfishes in April 2001.

Partners: Stephen F. Austin State University, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, Galveston Bay Estuary Program, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Armand Bayou Nature Center, and the Texas Coastal Program