Distribution of two Pomacea spp. in Rice Fields of Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract

Golden apple snail, Pomacea canaliculata is widely regarded as worst invasive pest species. It normally destroys the young stems and leaves of paddy and could consume 7-24 rice seedlings per day; thus, resulting in extreme damage to the rice growing area. However, despite the enormous losses that the snail can cause, the reports on preventive and curative management of snails’ invasion are scarce. Moreover, in many cases, the control actions often come from the farmer with trial-error approach and not properly documented. The aim of the paper is to present the data on the Pomacea canaliculata distribution together with efforts to control the snails’ population in the northern region of Malaysia, particularly in Kedah and Perlis sub-regions.