Australian wildlife authorities have dismantled an illegal exotic insect breeding operation near Bathurst, west of Sydney, seizing more than 100,000 prohibited cockroaches with an estimated black-market value of around AU$200,000.
The raid uncovered large numbers of Madagascar hissing cockroaches, known for the distinctive sound they make when threatened, along with dubia cockroaches, a non-native species commonly used as reptile feed.
Environment officials said the case highlights growing concerns about the unlawful trade and breeding of exotic insects, warning pet businesses and owners that enforcement action will continue.
The confiscated insects will now be destroyed as authorities seek to prevent the spread of invasive species and protect Australia’s native ecosystems.
So it’s the reptile community driving this practice to feed their pets. They didn’t think roaches might screw up their whole ecosystem leading to collapse of systems affecting the very pets they keep? Herpetologists are strange people.
Herpetologists are probably also reptilians from Zeta Reticulae…
“Prevent the spread of invasive species and protect Australia’s native ecosystems”
Which is the most invasive species are they refering to?
Because Australia doesn’t have enough cockroaches already.
Only one species of cock roach legally allowed and it resides in Canberra.
💯
There are people in New Zealand who breed giant crickets or locust type things for reptile food. My husband met someone once who did it for income. They were in Matamata I think. Wonder if that’s legal.