In Australia, more than 100,000 cockroaches of banned invasive species were caught in bulk at a breeder's facility. Authorities said it was the largest-ever seizure of illegal invasive invertebrates.
Foreign media including The Associated Press and ABC Australia reported on the 5th (local time) that the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and water resources (DCCEEW) seized more than 100,000 invasive cockroaches last month at a commercial breeding facility in Bathurst, New South Wales.
The seized cockroaches were Madagascar hissing cockroaches and dubia cockroaches. Australian authorities estimated their market value at up to 200,000 Australian dollars (about 200 million won).
In Australia, it is illegal to import, possess, breed, or sell invasive cockroaches. Authorities say these species have not undergone environmental risk assessment in Australia and could spread diseases to native wildlife and agriculture or damage ecosystems.
The Madagascar hissing cockroach is also known as the largest cockroach in the world. Its body length reaches 5–8 cm, and when externally stimulated, it expels air from its body and makes a hissing sound. It is much larger than the common cockroaches frequently seen in Australia.
Locally, there was speculation that the seized cockroaches may have been illegally distributed as reptile feed. ABC Australia, citing a local reptile expert, reported that dubia cockroaches may have been used as food for pet reptiles such as lizards. Because they are large, even a small number can serve as feed, making them sought after by some breeders.
DCCEEW said it will step up crackdowns on illegal invasive insect transactions. It also urged reptile keepers to use alternatives such as crickets or wood cockroaches that are legally distributed in Australia.
The Guardian reported that the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development will handle the euthanasia and disposal of the seized cockroaches. The Associated Press reported that no separate criminal charges have been filed at this time against the breeder.
Australia operates a strict biosecurity regime to protect its unique ecosystems and the agriculture and livestock industry. That is because, if invasive animals, plants, or insects enter and establish themselves, they can harm native species and agricultural production.