On a sunny morning, while walking along Camburi Beach in Vitória, Brazil, I witnessed a rare and fascinating scene. A tegu lizard (Salvator merianae) preying on an African giant snail (Lissachatina fulica).
Accompanied by my brother Felipe, as we often did growing up, we explored the vibrant biodiversity of this region. Our deep connection to the local nature where I developed my passion continues to inspire me to seek stories that might move others.
During this walk, something unusual caught my eye: a large tegu lizard was foraging among the vegetation. It seemed focused, almost methodical, in its search. Moments later, it emerged with an African giant snail in its mouth.
Watching the lizard crush the shell and devour its contents was mesmerizing. It transported me back to a time reminiscent of the dinosaurs, albeit on a smaller scale. The lizard returned to the vegetation, found another snail, and repeated the process—an extraordinary behavior I hadn’t often encountered.
This experience, captured on video, highlights the intricate relationship between native and invasive species.
The Fight Against Invaders
The African giant snail, introduced to Brazil in the 1980s, is notorious as one of the world's most destructive invasive species.
It reproduces rapidly, displacing native species and causing significant ecological imbalance. Additionally, it poses health risks as a carrier of diseases like meningitis and abdominal angiostrongyliasis.
The sight of a tegu naturally preying on this pest underscores the importance of native predators in controlling invasive populations. However, it raises an important question: Is this invasive snail harmful to lizards as it is to humans? The answer is not straightforward. While we know lizards have different physiological responses, the long-term impact remains unclear. Nonetheless, their role as a natural control mechanism is invaluable.
Meet the Tegu Lizard
Tegu lizards, among the largest lizards in the Americas, can grow up to 1.4 meters long.
These opportunistic omnivores consume fruits, small animals, and, as we’ve observed, invasive species like the African giant snail.
Beyond pest control, tegus play a vital ecological role as seed dispersers, showcasing their resilience and adaptability. In Camburi Beach, these lizards have become a unique tourist attraction, often seen basking in the sun as families marvel at their presence.
A Call to Protect and Learn
Despite their value, this close interaction with humans leaves tegus vulnerable to mistreatment, road accidents, and other threats. Their gentle demeanor in urban areas makes it even more critical to protect them and ensure their safety.
Moments like the one I recorded remind us of nature’s constant lessons. My video sparked interest among scientist friends, who are now considering studying this interaction further.
Get Involved
Encounters like this are not just privileges; they are opportunities to contribute to conservation and science. Documenting and sharing these stories can make a tangible difference.
Consider exploring platforms like iNaturalist, Wikiaves, Biofaces, or eBird, where citizen scientists share valuable observations. I’ve personally recorded nearly 2,000 confirmed species, with many more awaiting identification.
Have you witnessed something as extraordinary as a lizard preying on a snail? Share your story in the comments!
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Nature photographer and cinematographer, founder of Instituto Últimos Refúgios, Master in Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development, passionate about the environment! Join me on this incredible journey of wildlife discoveries and see more beautiful stories as I constantly explore nature.
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