Short Communication: Invasive mollusks Melanoides tuberculata, and Achatina fulica in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract

Southeast Sulawesi Province has natural/artificial inland waters for various usages. For example, freshwater has supported various activities such as agriculture, plantations, inland fisheries, and ecotourism. This study reports the presence of invasive mollusk in freshwater (Melanoides tuberculata) and terrestrial (Achatina fulica) habitats. This study is the first report regarding the spatial distribution of the three invasive mollusk species in the inland waters of Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. All administrative areas (17 districts/cities) in Southeast Sulawesi province were invaded by A. fulica and 16 districts/cities by M. tuberculata. These invasive mollusks species are a severe threat to the preservation of native species and human health because they are an intermediate host for several types of parasites, such as the trematode group. The spreading and rapid development of these invasive mollusks is caused by their reproductive ability and resistance to poor environmental quality and airborne dispersal factors by birds, water flow, and commercial activities. This invasive species can directly cause huge economic losses as they become a pest in agricultural activities, plantations, and freshwater fisheries (aquaculture). They also can transmit pathogens and displacement of native species. Therefore, it is recommended to have a preventive effort to tackle the expansion of IAS in Southeast Sulawesi.