Physella acuta, a tiny snail found in the Edappally canal in Kochi, has been flagged as an invasive species that could play havoc with native ecosystems. This is the first time this snail has been reported in Kerala,
- It is globally branded as highly invasive.
- Physella acuta plays host to worms that can cause food-borne diseases and skin itches in humans.
- Its rapid growth rate, air-breathing capability, and tolerance to pollution makes the Physella acuta a potential competitor to native fauna.
- Physella acuta is considered native to North America but is now found in all continents except Antarctica. It was first reported in India in the early 1990s.
(Source: The Hindu)
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