Thousands of hissing cockroaches seized in Australia
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READING:
Customs officials in Australia have seized more than 100,000 cockroaches that were being smuggled into the country. Included in the seizure were thousands of Madagascar hissing cockroaches. These are giant insects that can be as large as the palm of a person's hand. There was also a large number of dubia cockroaches. The value of the confiscated bugs was around $143,000. Authorities said it was the largest ever seizure of illegal invertebrates. An environment spokesperson warned potential roach breeders: "If you are found to possess, breed or trade exotic cockroaches…they will be seized and you could face penalties under federal law."
The seized cockroaches were probably imported to be fed to pet reptiles. Professional snake catcher Stefanie Lesser said the roaches were more "cost-effective" than feeding lizards smaller bugs. Ms Lesser added that the roaches could have become an invasive species and caused a lot of harm to indigenous creatures like crickets, which birds rely on. She said: "If they got out and they had a disease on them, they could potentially wipe out all the crickets." She told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that if diseased cockroaches entered the food chain, they could "potentially wipe out a whole lot of native animals". Sadly, the impounded bugs will be killed and disposed of by authorities.
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