VKM to assess the import of ants

The request for this assignment comes from the Norwegian Environment Agency, which frequently receives applications for the import of various ant species not native to Norway.

There are about 20,000 different ant species worldwide, and as many as 1,000 of these are kept as “pets” in different parts of the world.

Assignment

The Norwegian Environment Agency has asked VKM to identify which species are relevant for trade and import to Norway, as well as assess the likelihood that these species could survive and become established in Norwegian nature.

VKM will also assess possible negative effects on biodiversity for the relevant species, including those that are less likely to become established here.

The assessment will be based on the current climate, the expected climate in 10 years, and include a long-term perspective.

VKM will also identify and assess potential risk-reducing measures.

Project Group

The VKM project group consists of:

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

• Gaute Velle, Chair of VKM’s Scientific Panel on Biodiversity

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

• Torstein Kvamme, external expert (emeritus NIBIO)

• Daniel Flø, VKM Secretariat (Data manager)

• Martin Malmstrøm, VKM Secretariat (Project manager)

The risk assessment will be approved by VKM’s Scientific Panel on Biodiversity and is scheduled for publication in September 2026.