DISTRIBUTION GEOGRAPHIQUE DES ESCARGOTS COMESTIBLES EN UTILISANT DES VALEURS BIOMETRIQUES

This study investigates the distribution of edible giant snails in Central Africa (Democratic Republic of Congo Republic of Congo) to geographically distinguish snail populations. A total of 885 snails collected from 11 sites across the four former provinces in western DRC, and from one site in southeastern RC, underwent identification and biometric analysis. The length, width, and weight of each individual were measured. A correlation was established between the measured biometric values. Among the identified species, six are of the Genus Achatina and one of the Genus Archachatina, represented by two subspecies within the Family Achatinidae. Achatina weynsi, Achatina tincta, and Archachatina marginata ovum were mainly found in the Equateur Province, while Achatina balteata and Achatina schweinfurthi were predominantly concentrated in Bandundu Province. In contrast, Achatina bandeirana, Achatina stuhlmanni, and Archachatina marginata suturalis appeared more geographically dispersed. Only Achatina bandeirana was found in 5 out of 12 sites, unlike the other species. Analysis of biometric values revealed that length, width and snail weight are significant and positively correlated in pairs. Furthermore, the species and subspecies are unevenly distributed across all sites.