Giant African land snails mating, Ecuador C013 / 8858
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Giant African land snails mating, Ecuador C013 / 8858
Giant African land snails mating. These snails are a recently introduced alien pest that are spreading into the rainforest. Photographed in the Jama Coaque Reserve, Manabi Province, Western Ecuador
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 9200407
© DR MORLEY READ/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Amazon Amazonian Copulating Copulation Ecuador Ecuadorean Ecuadorian Forest Gastropod Gastropods Introduced Invasive Alien Species Jama Coaque Reserve Land Snail Manabi Province Mating Mollusc Molluscs Mollusk Mollusks Rainforest Reproducing Reproduction Snails South America South American Tropic Tropics Western Ecuador
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a rare and intimate moment in the rainforests of Western Ecuador. The image showcases two Giant African land snails engaging in copulation, highlighting their unique reproductive behavior. However, there is a darker side to this scene as these snails are classified as recently introduced alien pests that pose a threat to the delicate ecosystem. The Jama Coaque Reserve in Manabi Province serves as the backdrop for this photograph, showcasing the lush greenery and diverse fauna found in this tropical paradise. These South American mollusks have made their mark on the region, spreading into the Amazon rainforest with alarming speed. The detail captured by DR MORLEY READ's lens allows us to appreciate both the biological intricacies of these gastropods and their impact on their surroundings. As invasive alien species, they disrupt native ecosystems and compete with local species for resources. While it may be unsettling to witness such an event between these creatures, it provides valuable insight into their reproductive processes and offers scientists an opportunity to study them further. This photo serves as a reminder of how human activities can inadvertently introduce foreign organisms into fragile habitats like those found in Ecuador. In summary, this stunning image not only showcases nature's beauty but also raises awareness about the challenges posed by invasive species within our delicate ecosystems.
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