An invasive flatworm is proliferating in France

The "Obama nungara" worm is reported on three quarters of French territory, but not at altitude probably because the nights are too cold there. Obama_nungara (1)

Text by: RFI Follow

It is a predator which lives at night and which moves very slowly, but which is invading France and Europe. A species of flatworm from Argentina which is a threat to biodiversity and which has been reported in three quarters of French gardens.

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This worm measures between 5 and 10 cm, it is brown in color, it moves very slowly and its name is "Obama nungara". There is no connection to the former President of the United States, but it means "flat like a leaf" in a Native American language.

This worm came straight from Argentina because of the potted flower trade. Now there are billions of them in more than 70 departments in mainland France.

Its discovery is due to a resident of the south of France. He discovers in his garden an unknown little worm and sends his photo to specialized networks. For 5 years, scientists from different countries organize themselves and observe its spread.

The problem with this new species is that it eats soil animals, earthworms, snails ... which can potentially endanger biodiversity.

For the moment, specialists do not seem to have any way to counter its spread, because it is very complicated to get rid of it.

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  • France
  • Environment
  • biodiversity
  • Wildlife

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