Deforestation:
Snail has disappeared from the dinning table because of deforestation. Snails don't have where to stay because of the disappearance of forest trees and bushes.
High local and export demand:
The demand for snail in Nigeria and other countries of the world is very high. Exporters as well as consumers demand for it like gold. Presently, we cannot meet the local and export for snail but with time we shall solve this problem, at least to an extent.
The value of hard currency makes it possible for exporters to source it at all cost, thus making the few available in the market to be quite expensive for an average family to afford. The demand for snail abroad is more than the demand in Nigeria. These countries must have known the value of snail better than the others.
Non-selective picking:
Raining season is the most suitable period for snail breeding. Though snails can breed anytime of the year if properly cared for. The picker of this animal do not spare any one,because they are only out to make money and if nothing is done to ensure continuous reproduction, sooner or later they will disappear from creation. Then the generation urban will blame us.
The benefits of snail farming
• Snail farming does not constitute nuisance to the environment; the droppings are generally firm and odourless.
• Snail is noiseless and easy to handle.
• Snail meat is recommended for patients with hypertension and heart attack due to its low level of cholesterol and fat.
• Snail blood is used during male circumcision, making tribal marks by native doctors.
• Snail blood and palm kernel oil in equal parts could be used to treat stroke and headache.
• The shell could be used for ornamental purposes.
• The shell is a source of calcium and phosphorus replacing bone meal and oyster shell in mixing rations for animals.
• Snail farming require little land or space.
• Feed for snails are cheap and could be source locally.
• Snail farming is not capital intensive when compared with other livestock farming.
• Snail meat contain anti tuberculosis qualities.
• Mucous of Helix Promatia favours action of penicillin.
Slugs (snails) in coconut milk has curative properties for Asthma.
• Ortho calcium phosphate is a curative substance extracted from snails and used in medicine by Japanese for Kidney disease, anaemia, diabetes and circulatory disorder.
• Snail meat is cooked along with other local herbs, for pregnant women to ease labour.
• Snail farming can be done as a part time business.
• Snail farming is less stressful compared to other livestock farming.
• Snail farming can be easily incorporated in other livestock farming like grasscutter farming.
