Import of cockroaches - A threat to Norwegian biodiversity?

The assessment is commissioned by the Norwegian Environment Agency, which has received applications for import of this species. The imported cockroaches are intended for use as food for various hobby animals, such as spiders and lizards.

The Norwegian Environment Agency is the responsible authority for the import of alien organisms, and they rely on VKM's assessments when processing such applications.

Methods

VKM will first assess whether P. lateralis can become established in Norway. The assessment shall take the current climate, as well as short-term and long-term future climate prognoses, into consideration.

The evaluation will also determine whether the species could have negative effects on biodiversity in Norway. Negative impact can, for instance, arise from competition with native species, through hybridisation, or through the spread of pathogenic organisms.

Finally, VKM will identify and describe possible risk-reducing measures that can be implemented.

The Project Group

The VKM project group consists of:

• Lawrence Kirkendall, member of VKM's Panel on Biodiversity (Scientific Lead)

• Anders Nielsen, Deputy Chair of VKM's Panel on Biodiversity

• Martin Malmstrøm, VKM Secretariat (Project Manager)

The risk assessment will be approved by VKM's Panel on Biodiversity and is scheduled for publication at the end of September 2025.