Assessment of the risks to Norwegian biodiversity from the import and keeping of terrestrial arachnids and insects. Opinion of the Panel on Alien Organisms and Trade in Endangered species of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety

Abstract

The Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (VKM) has been asked by the Norwegian Environment Agency to undertake an assessment of the risks of negative impacts on biodiversity in Norway stemming from the import of terrestrial scorpions, tarantulas, mantids, and stick insects for private use. The committee was asked to assess (1) species survivability under Norwegian conditions, (2) possible impacts of private import on ecosystems and other species, (3) possible risks arising from the introduction of accompanying organisms such as pathogens and parasites, and (4) the likelihood of escape or release of the imported organisms and precautionary measures that could prevent this from happening. The committee was asked to adopt a fifty year perspective in this assessment. Furthermore, any known negative effects on biodiversity of the exporting country should be stated in the report. These factors should, however, not be included as a part of the actual risk assessment.