Neobiota

If you release non-native animals and plants from an aquarium or garden pond into the wild, you can cause major damage to biodiversity and infrastructure and are liable to prosecution.

It happens again and again that people dispose of their aquariums and garden ponds by dumping animals or plants in streams, rivers or ponds. Anyone who supposedly releases their pets "into the wild" in this way is either bringing about their demise or harming nature. The majority of aquarium and garden pond creatures cannot survive in our waters. The small proportion that is able to establish itself can cause major damage as an invasive species. Released goldfish or red-cheeked turtles, for example, devour entire ponds and thus threaten rare amphibian and insect species. Alien shrimps and amphipods have probably entered our waters by spilling aquarium water. Released large crayfish from North America transmit the so-called crayfish plague, a disease that is fatal to native crayfish. Aquarium plants, such as the Brazilian milfoil, can also be problematic, as they grow very quickly and form dense, carpet-like populations. It is therefore forbidden to release alien animals and plants into water in the wild. Tiny creatures can also be found in aquarium water, which is why this must not be emptied into the wild either.

Recommendations for people with aquariums, pets and garden ponds

The most important principle is: even before making a purchase, you should think about whether you have the necessary time for care and maintenance in the long term and how longer absences, such as during the summer vacations, can be covered.

Recommendations before purchasing:- Carefully consider the purchase of an animal or the creation of a garden pond or aquarium.
- Ensure that no living creatures can escape.
- Do not bring animals or plants home from trips.

Recommendations if you can no longer keep animals or plants:

- Look for a new home among friends or on a reputable sales platform or
   contact a rescue center.
- If no other solution can be found: Contact a veterinary practice.
- Dispose of aquatic plants in the garbage or at a professional composting facility.
- Dispose of water from aquariums in waste water (not in drains).

The red-cheeked tortoise is listed in the Release Ordinance as a prohibited invasive alien organism. The keeping and trade of this species is now prohibited throughout Europe, including Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The reason for this is that, as omnivores, they endanger native species, in particular the spawn of native amphibians and insect larvae.

If you still keep a red-eared slider tortoise today, please contact the Office of Environment. If red-cheeked tortoises or other tortoise species are spotted in the wild, this should also be reported to the Office of Environment so that they can be captured.

The Asian hornet is spreading throughout Europe and neighboring Switzerland. It is therefore possible that it will also be detected in Liechtenstein.

It is no more dangerous to humans than the native hornet. It is considered a pest and invasive organism, as it eats honey bees and native wild bees, and must therefore be controlled.

Suspicious reports of the Asian hornet in Liechtenstein are recorded via the platform www.asiatischehornisse.ch. For a reliable identification, it is necessary for the reporting person to provide a photo or video of the animal. As a precautionary measure, a safety distance of 5 meters from the suspected nest must be maintained.

If the suspicion is confirmed via the reporting platform, Asian hornet nests are removed by trained specialists.