Abstract

Background: Eobania vermiculata is a species of land snail that is of great ecological importance as an agricultural pest and invasive pest that causes damage to agricultural crops, orchards and forests. It is characterized by its exceptional ability to adapt to diverse habitats and is native to the Mediterranean regions but is widely distributed in Karbala Governorate, Iraq. Al-Abbas Nurseries, Karbala University Gardens, and Al-Hussainiya Farms were the three different sites in Kerbala where the population density of E. vermiculata was measured. The investigation was conducted throughout the snail’s breeding and growth season. Methods: Samples were collected manually using a wooden square of length (30×30) cm per square meter and for ten replicates from the collection areas specified according to the above-mentioned map for the period from November 2023 to April 2024. The samples were transferred to the laboratories of the College of Education for Pure Sciences. Shell length measurement: Using a standard ruler and dividing them into longitudinal categories, the samples were diagnosed according to the classification keys for snail diagnosis. In addition, the samples were sent to the Natural History Museum at the University of Baghdad to confirm the diagnosis. Results: Significant differences in snail density were observed between the studied areas, with Al-Abbas Nurseries showing the lowest density and Karbala University Gardens having the highest density (1732 individuals). In addition, monthly population density analysis revealed that for the majority of sites, March had the highest density, while January had the lowest density. To determine the total snail size, the study further divided snail populations according to shell length. The density of the smallest size class (0-5 mm) peaked in February and March after disappearing in December and January. These results provide important new information on the conservation of E. vermiculata. Conclusions: The sustainability of this species' populations within their native habitats can be improved by understanding their population dynamics and dispersal tactics. Most of the results were consistent with previous studies, and we recommend that further studies be conducted to understand the impact of this species on ecosystems and habitats.

Keywords: Dynamic, Vermiculata, Gastropoda, Kerbala, Agricultural pest