Raising exotic beetles is a hobby, but beware of invasive species damaging the ecosystem.
[4] Compiled from: Red Star News
Case review
[4] Recently, Dalian Post Office Customs in Liaoning opened and inspected an overseas mail item with abnormal X-ray images. Although the mail was declared as "toys," upon opening, live beetles about 15 centimeters long were found inside.
[5] It is understood that this type of Hercules beetle, due to its attractive appearance, large size, and ease of care, has become highly popular among exotic pet enthusiasts in recent years, but has also become a frequent illegal border crosser. Dalian Post Office Customs alone has intercepted them three times in recent years. Not only Dalian Customs, but from January to June this year, customs in Guangzhou, Chengdu, and other locations have also repeatedly intercepted them from inbound mail.
[6] Some believe that these artificially bred beetles, which primarily feed on fermented wood chips and humus, are harmless to humans and animals and will not negatively impact the ecological environment. However, in reality, they pose many unknown risks.
[1] Biosafety Law
Article 60
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[2] No unit or individual may, without approval, introduce, release, or discard alien species.
[1] The author's perspective
[3] We all know that the ecological environment requires mutual checks and balances for long-term development. Once any species leaves its place of origin and habitat, it may bring unknown risks. For example, the Brazilian turtle and the sailfin catfish, which have been emphasized in recent years, can become killers that damage our ecology. When people release these alien species, due to the lack of natural predators in the local area, they reproduce uncontrollably, crowding out the living space of native species, and some may spread diseases or even affect human health.
[4] In recent years, China has placed increasing importance on the prevention and control of invasive alien species, yet some people continue to test the law. This requires relevant departments and local governments to strengthen prevention and control from the source, through monitoring and early warning, to remediation and restoration, building a full-chain prevention and control system. At the same time, regular surveys of invasive alien species must be conducted, with efforts focused on routine monitoring, and the remediation and restoration of invasive alien species must be effectively advanced. As members of the public, we should not purchase or raise such species for personal desires, as no trade means no market. We should pay more attention to relevant laws, regulations, and science popularization to enhance our awareness of prevention and control.
