(Foto: Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water / AFP)
Australian conservation officers have seized more than 100,000 illegally bred cockroaches in a raid at a commercial breeding operation in the countryside. According to authorities, the insects have a black market value of more than $140,000 (about R2.5 million).
The raid was carried out at a commercial breeder in the town of Bathurst, west of Sydney, Australia’s Department of Environment said on Friday.
Among the insects seized were Madagascar “hissing” cockroaches, a large species known for the hissing sound they make to scare off predators, as well as Dubia cockroaches, an invasive species often bred as food for pet reptiles.
Photos released by authorities show that one of the Madagascar cockroaches was almost the size of the palm of an adult’s hand.
“We take our responsibility to protect Australia’s unique biodiversity very seriously, and breaches of national environmental legislation will be punished,” said a spokesperson for the department.
(Foto: Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water / AFP)
“We are seeing an increase in the illegal breeding and trade of exotic cockroaches, and we are warning pet businesses and pet owners that action will be taken against these practices.”
According to the department, the seized insects have an estimated value of approximately A$200 000 (more than R2.3 million).
Authorities now face the thankless task of eradicating the cockroaches. The insects are known for their extraordinary ability to survive.