Which practice should be avoided to minimize disturbance?

• A. Handling slugs
• B. Observe at night
• C. Use low-impact observation
• D. Minimize habitat disturbance

Answer: (A)

Direct contact with slugs causes stress and can physically harm them, so handling should be avoided to minimize disturbance. Slugs rely on a delicate mucus coating for protection and mobility; touching them can remove or damage this coating, provoke stress responses, and raise the risk of injury or disease transmission, which alters their natural behavior and can skew observations. By avoiding handling, you preserve their normal activity and well-being. Other practices—observing at night, using low-impact observation, and minimizing habitat disturbance—support quieter, less invasive study by aligning with slug activity patterns and keeping their environment intact.