Snail Hunt Brazil | Coletivo CFI
from 14/08/2026
A national public utility and community health citizen science campaign coordinated by the Independent Family Scientists (CFI) collective. Expanding our successful local surveillance model to a nationwide scale across Brazil, this initiative targets the invasive Giant African Snail (Lissachatina fulica). This exotic pest acts as a dangerous biological vector for severe illnesses like eosinophilic meningitis. The project leverages the iNaturalist network to crowdsource real-time, georeferenced metadata to map infestation hotspots and guide environmental safety on a macro-regional level.
Aim
To build a nationwide georeferenced cartographic layer documenting Giant African Snail hotspots to mitigate widespread damage to national biodiversity, local agriculture, and public health. The project aims to provide open-access research-grade data to support epidemiologic intelligence and environmental surveillance teams throughout Brazil, training everyday citizens to act as active biological monitoring agents across multiple states.
How to participate
Activity for adults or children under strict parental supervision. 1) Download the free iNaturalist app on your smartphone and create an account. 2) Look for the invasive snail anywhere in Brazil (backyards, parks, or walks). 3) Keep a safe distance and never touch the animal without protective gloves. 4) Take a clear photo safely and upload it to the app. Your data goes directly to national maps to help track and control this vector.
Needed equipment
A smartphone with an internet connection, a camera, and location services enabled to run the iNaturalist app. Safety equipment such as protective gloves is strictly required if any handling is necessary under adult supervision, although visual tracking from a safe distance is heavily recommended for volunteers.
About funding
Funding bodies: Self-funded
Funding program: voluntary worK
About branding
Card image by: Independent Family Scientists (CFI)
Coordinator
Independent Family Scientists…
Community-led
Other Organisations involved