Eli K. Rueness

• Bodin, Johanna Eva; Berg, Paul Ragnar; Dalen, Knut Tomas; Duale, Nur; Granquist, Erik Georg & Jevnaker, Anne-Marthe Ganes [Show all 19 contributors for this article] (2026). Guidance on the scientific information required for risk assessment of genetically modified animals intended for field trials in Norway. VKM Report. 2026(7), p. 1–68. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The Norwegian Environment Agency has tasked The Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment (VKM) with developing generic guidance documents for environmental risk assessment of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to be used in field trials. GMOs used in limited field trials may have effect on the environment, and human and animal health. All experiments involving the use of GMOs in field trails for research require approval under the Norwegian Gene Technology Act. The Norwegian Environment Agency is the decision-making authority for deliberate release of GM plants in field trials. VKM performs health and environmental risk assessments (ERAs) of GMOs for the Norwegian Environment Agency. This guidance document is intended as a support for applicants seeking approval for field trials under the Gene Technology Act and identifies the scientific documentation and data necessary to facilitate an ERA of a genetically modified animal (GM animal) conducted by VKM. The risk assessments conducted by VKM generally follow the step-by-step approach outlined in EU Directive 2001/18/EC on the deliberate release of genetically modified organisms into the environment, starting with hazard identification, hazard characterization, exposure characterization and risk characterization. The Gene Technology Act and the Regulations on impact assessment under the Gene Technology Act implements directive 2001/18/EC into Norwegian legislation. Appendix 2 of the Regulation contain the principles for environmental risk assessment, which corresponds to the principles of Annex II in the Directive. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has developed further guidance on the risk assessment of genetically modified organisms based on Annex II. ERAs of GM animals involve the collection, assessment and, where appropriate, generation of information on a GM animal to determine its potential impacts on the environment and on human and animal health, compared with non-GM animals or appropriate comparators. VKM performs risk assessments that include the following six steps: hazard identification, hazard characterisation, exposure characterisation, risk characterisation, risk reducing measures, and overall risk evaluation of the use of the GM animal in a field trial. Applicants should identify the scientific documentation and data necessary for VKM to perform an ERA based on these steps. Applicants should also consider general risk reducing measures in relation to the identified risks, taking into consideration the type of GM animal, the intended management regime (confinement), the scale of the field trial, the characteristics of the genetic modification, the characteristics of the identified hazard(s), and the potential consequences for the environment and for human and animal health. This document provides guidance for the assessment of the potential environmental effects of GM animals, based on data from the required molecular characterisation, consideration of the potential impacts of the modified characteristics of the GM animal, and any risk mitigating measures implemented in the event of escape of GM animals into the environment during field trials. The guidance is intended as a dynamic document to be amended in accordance with future scientific and regulatory developments.

• Rueness, Eli Knispel; Boer, Hugo de; Gehrke, Berit; Hjermann, Tilde; Thorstad, Eva Bonsak & Grainger, Matthew [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2025). Scientific assessment of risk from trade to CITES-listed species of sturgeons and paddlefishes. VKM Report. 2025:06, p. 1–97. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment (VKM) has assessed whether trade with sturgeons is a risk to wild populations. For two out of eleven species, international trade is considered non-detrimental to their survival. For the remaining nine species, all trade with wild-caught fish is considered detrimental, while VKM is unable to determine whether trade with fish from aquaculture will be detrimental to the species’ survival due to lack of information. VKM is the national Scientific Authority for the Convention on International Trade with Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). We have assessed the potential detriment of international trade to sturgeons on assignment from the Norwegian Environment Agency (NEA), who are the national Management Authority under CITES. The risk assessment will be used by NEA for processing import/export permits for sturgeons and products thereof, such as caviar, in compliance with the Norwegian CITES Regulation. The assessment comprises eleven species of sturgeons and paddlefishes, of which ten have been imported to or exported from Norway the past ten years. The last species is commonly traded internationally but has yet not been imported to or exported from Norway. For each species, the assessment is based on knowledge of the species’ biology, environment, use, and level of trade. For two of the eleven species that have been assessed, international trade does not pose a threat to their survival in the wild. For the remaining nine species, all trade with wild-caught fish will be detrimental to their survival. For fish and products of fish from aquaculture, VKM is unable to determine whether international trade is detrimental to the species’ survival in the wild, as the available information on the impact of aquaculture on wild populations is conflicting and insufficient. Trade is not detrimental for the following species: Acipenser transmontanus, Polyodon spathula Not concluded for the following species: Acipenser baerii, Acipenser gueldenstaedtii, Acipenser naccarii, Acipenser persicus, Acipenser ruthenus, Acipenser schrenckii, Acipenser stellatus, Huso dauricus, Huso huso “Sturgeons is the most threatened group of species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Even though most of the trade is with fish from aquaculture, the level of uncertainty regarding consequences for the wild populations is high,” says Scientific Leader Eli K. Rueness. VKM proposes that the risk assessment for each species could be applied for a period of five years, unless the IUCN Red List publishes updated assessments where any of the species are given a higher risk category.

• Rueness, Eli Knispel; Flø, Daniel; Gehrke, Berit; Grainger, Matthew; Hermansen, Jo Skeie & Eldegard, Katrine [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2024). Scientific assessment of risk to the populations of tortoises listed by CITES as a result of trade. VKM Report. p. 1–96. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  KM has assessed the risk from international trade with tortoises for the survival of the species in the wild. Twelve species that have been imported to, or exported from, Norway since 2010, and two additional species that are traded internationally in substantial volumes, were assessed. This report provides a scientific risk assessment based on the criteria given under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Risk assessments to determine speciesspecific detriment (cf. Res. Conf. 16.7 (Rev. CoP17)), Non-detriment findings (NDFs), were made for 14 tortoise species in international trade. The NDF is a determination of impact from legal international trade on survival of the species in the wild and considers various aspects of its biology, environment, usage, and management. In this report the outcome may be positive (no detriment), negative (detriment) or inconclusive (more documentation needed and NDFs should be made case-by-case). Based on the species-specific assessments VKM concludes no detriment (positive) for eight species (Aldabrachelys gigantea, Centrochelys sulcata, Chelonoidis carbonarius, Chersina angulata, Stigmochelys pardalis, Testudo graeca, Testudo hermanni, and Testudo marginata), detriment (negative) for four species (Chelonoidis denticulatus, Indotestudo forstenii, Kinixys homeana, and Manouria emys) and inconclusive for two species (Kinixys spekii and Testudo horsfieldii). The confidence level of the individual assessments (low to high) depends on the quantity and quality of data on biology, traded volumes, and management. Uncertainties and data gaps in the species assessments were in most cases pertaining to the current statuses and trends of wild populations, the extent of illegal trade and the management of the species in their range states. VKM proposes that the NDF for the species should be applied for a period of five years unless the IUCN assessments are updated and changed. Updates should also be made for the two species that have not yet been assessed by IUCN if assessments for these should be published during the next five years. Norsk: Hovedbudskap: De fleste landskilpaddeartene som er inn- eller utført til og fra Norge er ikke truet av handel. Det viser en ny risikovurdering fra Vitenskapskomiteen for mat og miljø (VKM). Men for noen arter reduserer internasjonal handel evnen til å overleve i naturen.

• Eldegard, Katrine; Furnes, Marianne Waldum; Grainger, Matthew; Moe, Børge; Sandercock, Brett Kevin & Sonerud, Geir Andreas [Show all 12 contributors for this article] (2024). Effects of capture, marking, and tracking on the welfare of wild birds. VKM Report. 2024(3). Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Ethical considerations with respect to the capture, handling, and marking of wild birds must balance the risk of potential harm to individual birds against the need to obtain the necessary data to address goals in basic science, as well as conservation targets for species and ecosystems. The Norwegian Environment Agency and the Norwegian Food Safety Authority requested an updated knowledge base on methods for capture, handling, and marking of wild birds for scientific and management purposes, and associated risk-reducing measures. Methods The assessment includes any bird species belonging to orders of birds that are represented on the Norwegian mainland, other land areas where Norwegian law applies, or in Norwegian territorial waters; and methods that require a permit from the National Animal Research Authority, a bird ringing license and/or a wildlife permit from the Norwegian Environment Agency. Assessments of potential impacts of physical sampling methods were also included. Regarding the 3Rs approach, this report does not address whether field studies of wild birds should be replaced with alternative approaches or if the number of marked birds should be reduced but instead focuses on the refinement of methods in cases where marking is regarded as the most appropriate and adequate method. Conclusions If conducted by trained personnel following best practices, all the methods for capture, handling, or sampling were assessed as low or moderate risk for short-term or long-lasting harm to animal welfare. Among the different methods for marking and tagging of wild birds, temporary feather dyes and PIT tags were assessed as low risk, while glue and tape methods, tail mounted tags, necklace collars, and surgical implants were assessed as low or moderate risk, and flipper tags on penguins as high risk. Metal and colour rings, leg flags, patagial wing and web tags, neck bands, nasal discs and saddles, sutures and subcutaneous anchors, leg mounted tags, leg-loop and backpack (thoracic) harness were assessed as low, moderate, or high risk, depending on group of birds. The substantial heterogeneity in the impacts on animal welfare among methods and different groups of birds means that thorough pre-investigation, planning, and preparations are required for safe capture, handling, sampling, and marking of wild birds. Risk-reducing measures In addition to measures provided for each specific field method assessed, we have identified five key measures that would reduce the probability of adverse impacts on animal welfare: (1) follow best practises; (2) conduct pilot and effect studies; (3) ensure training routines; (4) standardise assessments and encourage reporting of animal welfare effects; and (5) continuing efforts to address the 3Rs with refinement and reduction to improve animal welfare. The assessment spans subject areas for three of VKM's panels and is approved by a separate approval group.

• Rueness, Eli Knispel; Boer, Hugo de; Flø, Daniel; Gehrke, Berit; Grainger, Matthew & Hermansen, Jo Skeie [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2024). Scientific assessment of risk posed by trade to crocodilians listed by CITES. VKM Report. p. 1–100. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Handel med krokodiller er ingen trussel for artenes videre overlevelse. En ny risikovurdering fra Vitenskapskomiteen for mat og miljø (VKM) viser at de tolv krokodilleartene som har blitt innført til eller utført fra Norge siden 2011, ikke er truet av internasjonal handel. Vurderingen ble utført på oppdrag fra Miljødirektoratet, som er nasjonal forvaltningsmyndighet for Konvensjon om internasjonal handel med truede arter av vill fauna og flora (CITES) i Norge. Vurderingen skal brukes av Miljødirektoratet når de behandler søknader om innførsel og utførsel av krokodiller og krokodilleprodukter i henhold til CITES-forskriften. VKM, som er nasjonal vitenskapelig myndighet for CITES i Norge, har undersøkt om internasjonal handel med krokodiller utgjør en trussel for artenes videre overlevelse i naturen. Det er de tolv krokodilleartene som er innført til eller utført fra Norge siden 2011 som er vurdert. Risikovurderingen for hver art er basert på kunnskap om artens biologi, miljø, forvaltning, bruksområder og handelsnivåer. VKM konkluderer med at internasjonal handel for øyeblikket ikke er til skade for noen av de tolv artenes videre overlevelse i naturen. Artene som er vurdert er: Amerikaalligator (Alligator mississippiensis) Brillekaiman (Caiman crocodilus) Bredsnutekaiman (Caiman latirostris) Spisskrokodille (Crocodylus acutus) Filippinerkrokodille (Crocodylus mindorensis) Moreletskrokodille (Crocodylus moreletii) Nilkrokodille (Crocodylus niloticus) Ny-guineakrokodille (Crocodylus novaeguineae) Saltvannskrokodille (Crocodylus porosus) Rutekrokodille (Crocodylus rhombifer) Siamkrokodille (Crocodylus rhombifer) Dvergkaiman (Paleosuchus palpebrosus) – Den internasjonale forvaltningen av krokodiller har vært usedvanlig velorganisert gjennom flere tiår. Derfor utgjør ikke internasjonal handel i dag en trussel selv for arter som er truet av andre grunner, som at leveområdene blir ødelagt, sier faglig leder Eli Knispel Rueness, som har ledet arbeidet. VKM foreslår at risikovurderingene for artene gis en gyldighet på ti år, med mindre Verdens naturvernunion (IUCN) i mellomtiden skulle komme med nye vurderinger av artenes bevaringsstatus som gir grunn til økt bekymring. ISBN 978-82-8259-447-9

• Nilsen, Erlend Birkeland; Braastad, Bjarne Olai; Dale, Svein; Dervo, Børre Kind; Kausrud, Kyrre Linné & Kirkendall, Lawrence Richard [Show all 18 contributors for this article] (2023). Assessment of the risks posed by domestic cats (Felis catus) to biodiversity and animal welfare in Norway. Scientific Opinion of the Panel on Biodiversity of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment. VKM Report. 2023(23), p. 1–228. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  VKM has evaluated to what extent keeping of cats pose a risk to biodiversity in Norway. Risks were assessed separately for threats to biodiversity from direct predation, indirect (non-lethal) effects, competition with other wildlife and spread of infectious organisms. VKM also assessed the risk of reduced animal welfare related to the keeping of domestic cats, both for the cats and their prey. In addition, VKM has assessed a range of risk-reducing measures aimed at minimizing the risk for negative impacts on biodiversity and animal welfare. Overall, VKM find that the risk of negative impact on vulnerable birds and red-listed mammalian species are high under certain conditions. VKM also find that there is a considerable risk associated with increased spread of infectious organisms from cats to wildlife and other domestic species. Some of these infectious organisms may also infect humans. With respect to mitigation measures, VKM concludes that measures focused on limiting cats’ access to prey populations are likely to yield the most positive outcomes in terms of mitigating the adverse impact on biodiversity.

• Asmyhr, Maria Gulbrandsen; Kvie, Kjersti Sternang & Rueness, Eli Knispel (2023). Non-detriment finding for the scimitar-horned oryx (Oryx dammah). VKM Report. p. 1–6. Full text in Research Archive
• Boer, Hugo de; Rueness, Eli Knispel & Asmyhr, Maria Gulbrandsen (2023). Non-detriment finding for leopard (Panthera pardus). VKM Report. p. 1–9. Full text in Research Archive
• Rueness, Eli Knispel; Boer, Hugo de; Eldegard, Katrine; Gehrke, Berit; Grainger, Matthew & Hermansen, Jo Skeie (2023). Non-detriment finding for Heptner’s markhor. VKM Report. p. 1–6. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The Heptner’s markhor population in the Republic of Tajikistan has been surveyed repeatedly between 2014 and 2021 and has been documented to be increasing. In Tajikistan, trophy hunting of Heptner’s markhor is permitted within hunting management areas and is subjected to an annual quota. The hunt is run by local conservancies with the goal of being beneficial to both conservation of the markhor and development of the local community in the area. The IUCN Species Survival Commission Caprinae Specialist Group (IUCN SSC/CSG) advices the Committee for Environmental Protection of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan on management and conservation strategies for the growing markhor population. The exporter of the trophy is the LLC Oxus Holding conservancy in the Shamsiddin Shohin district of the Kahtlon region that was surveyed in 2021. VKM concludes that the import of one trophy of Capra falconeri heptneri to Norway from the LLC Oxus Holding co

• Rueness, Eli Knispel; Boer, Hugo de; Gehrke, Berit; Grainger, Matthew & Hermansen, Jo Skeie (2023). Non-detriment finding for Heptner’s markhor. VKM Report. p. 1–6. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The Heptner’s markhor population in the Republic of Tajikistan has been surveyed repeatedly between 2014 and 2021 and has been documented to be increasing. In Tajikistan, trophy hunting of Heptner’s markhor is permitted within hunting management areas and is subjected to an annual quota. The hunt is run by local conservancies with the goal of being beneficial to both conservation of the markhor and development of the local community in the area. The IUCN Species Survival Commission Caprinae Specialist Group (IUCN SSC/CSG) advices the Committee for Environmental Protection of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan on management and conservation strategies for the growing markhor population. The exporter of the trophy is the LLC Oxus Holding conservancy in the Shamsiddin Shohin district of the Kahtlon region that was surveyed in 2021. VKM concludes that the import of one trophy of Capra falconeri heptneri to Norway from the LLC Oxus Holding conservancy in Tajikistan will not be detrimental to the survival of this species in the wild.

• Rueness, Eli Knispel; Boer, Hugo de; Eldegard, Katrine; Gehrke, Berit; Grainger, Matthew & Hermansen, Jo Skeie (2023). Non-detriment finding for Heptner’s markhor. VKM Report. p. 1–6. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The Heptner’s markhor population in the Republic of Tajikistan has been surveyed repeatedly between 2014 and 2021 and has been documented to be increasing. In Tajikistan, trophy hunting of Heptner’s markhor is permitted within hunting management areas and is subjected to an annual quota. The hunt is run by local conservancies with the goal of being beneficial to both conservation of the markhor and development of the local community in the area. The IUCN Species Survival Commission Caprinae Specialist Group (IUCN SSC/CSG) advices the Committee for Environmental Protection of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan on management and conservation strategies for the growing markhor population. The exporter of the trophy is the LLC Oxus Holding conservancy in the Shamsiddin Shohin district of the Kahtlon region that was surveyed in 2021. VKM concludes that the import of one trophy of Capra falconeri heptneri to Norway from the LLC Oxus Holding conservancy in Tajikistan will not be detrimental to the survival of this species in the wild.

• Rueness, Eli Knispel; Boer, Hugo de; Eldegard, Katrine & Hermansen, Jo Skeie (2023). Non-detriment finding for golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos). VKM Report. p. 1–4. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The golden eagle has a large and stable population and is listed as a species of Least Concern, globally, in Europe and in Norway. The feathers for export are taken from a prepared specimen of unknown geographic origin. VKM concludes that the export of eight Aquila chrysaetos feathers from Norway to the US for personal purposes will not be detrimental to the survival of the species.

• Rueness, Eli Knispel; Boer, Hugo de; Eldegard, Katrine & Hermansen, Jo Skeie (2023). Non-detriment finding for golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos). VKM Report. p. 1–4. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The golden eagle has a large and stable population and is listed as a species of least Concern, globally, in Europe and in Norway. The feathers for export are taken from a prepared specimen of unknown geographic origin. VKM concludes that the export of eight Aquila chrysaetos feathers from Norway to the US for personal purposes will not be detrimental to the survival of the species.

• Rueness, Eli Knispel; Eldegard, Katrine; Gehrke, Berit; Grainger, Matthew & Hermansen, Jo Skeie (2023). Non-detriment finding for sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus). VKM Report. p. 1–6. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The 19 teeth from Physeter macrocephalus were landed by Norwegian whaling vessels in the period 1960-1970 (that is, prior to the CITES listing of order Cetacea in 1979). The capture location of the whales remains unknown, however, it is likely that they were caught in international waters and the country of origin used is therefore Norway. The export of 19 pre-convention Physeter macrocephalus teeth from Norway to Fiji and Australia for personal purposes will not be detrimental to the future survival of the species.

• Rueness, Eli Knispel (2023). Non-detriment finding for grey wolf (Canis lupus). VKM Report. p. 1–4. Full text in Research Archive
• Rueness, Eli Knispel; Boer, Hugo de & Guldbrandsen, Asmyhr Maria (2023). Non-detriment finding for broadsnouted caiman. VKM Report. p. 1–5. Full text in Research Archive
• Eldegard, Katrine; Boer, Hugo de; Rueness, Eli Knispel & Hermansen, Jo Skeie (2023). Non-detriment finding for white-tailed sea-eagle. VKM Report. p. 1–9. Full text in Research Archive
• Eldegard, Katrine; Boer, Hugo de; Rueness, Eli Knispel & Hermansen, Jo Skeie (2023). Non-detriment finding for export of osprey from Norway to Ireland. VKM Report. p. 1–7. Full text in Research Archive
• Rueness, Eli Knispel (2023). Non-detriment finding for grey wolf (Canis lupus). VKM Report. p. 1–4. Full text in Research Archive
• Eldegard, Katrine; Boer, Hugo de; Rueness, Eli Knispel & Hermansen, Jo Skeie (2023). Non-detriment finding for export of osprey from Norway to Ireland. VKM Report. p. 1–7. Full text in Research Archive
• Boer, Hugo de; Asmyhr, Maria Gulbrandsen; Flø, Daniel; Gehrke, Berit; Grainger, Matthew & Hermansen, Jo Skeie [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2023). Scientific assessment of risk to populations of pythons listed by CITES as a result of trade. VKM Report. 17, p. 1–115. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  This report provides a scientific risk assessment of the effects that international trade in selected species of pythons (Pythonidae spp.) and python products may have on populations of these species. The assessment is based on the criteria given under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The risk assessment is limited to species in the genera Apodora, Aspidites, Liasis, Malayopython, Morelia, and Python imported/exported to/from Norway since 2010 (ToR §3). Risk assessments to determine species-specific detriment (cf. Res. Conf. 16.7 (Rev. CoP17) Non-detriment findings) were made for 17 species using a standardized approach. Significant data gaps affected the degree of uncertaintyassociated with the assessments. Data gaps are mostly related to populations, trends, and illegal trade. Population and trade data for many species was more than a decade old and might therefore not reflect the current situation for these species. Based on the species-specific detriment assessments VKM concludes no detriment for 12 species (Apodora papuana, Aspidites melanocephalus, Liasis mackloti, Malayopython reticulatus, Morelia bredli, Morelia spilota, Morelia viridis, Python anchietae, Python bivittatus, Python breitensteini, Python brongersmai, Python curtus). For one species, VKM concludes detriment (Morelia boeleni). For two species, a split conclusion is made based on the region of origin (Python regius and Python sebae). Furthermore, sufficient data was lacking for Malayopython timoriensis and VKM is therefore unable to make a detriment assessment. The final species, Python molurus, is CITES Appendix I listed and should not be traded for commercial purposes. The degree of uncertainty associated with each assessment varied based on data availability and this is indicated as a confidence level of the individual assessments (low to high)

• Rueness, Eli Knispel; Boer, Hugo de & Asmyhr, Maria Gulbrandsen (2023). Non-detriment finding for grey wolf (Canis lupus). VKM Report. p. 1–5. Full text in Research Archive
• Eldegard, Katrine; Boer, Hugo de; Rueness, Eli Knispel & Hermansen, Jo Skeie (2023). Non-detriment finding for white-tailed sea-eagle. VKM Report. p. 1–9. Full text in Research Archive
• Rueness, Eli Knispel; Asmyhr, Maria Gulbrandsen; Basic, Dean; Eldegard, Katrine; Janczak, Andrew M. & Pedersen, Hans Christian [Show all 19 contributors for this article] (2022). The release of common pheasants and grey partridges for pointing dog training- consequences for biodiversity, animal welfare and health. Scientific Opinion of the Panel on biodiversity of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment. VKM Report. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Since the late 1800s, an unknown number of common pheasants and grey partridges from captive bred stocks have been released in Norwegian nature. The birds are released to be used for training of pointing dogs. The import, keeping and release of gamebirds, as well as the management of release sites, have been largely unregulated. The consequences to biodiversity, animal health and welfare have not been investigated. The Norwegian Environment Agency (NEA) and the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (NFSA) have jointly requested the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment (VKM) for a scientific opinion on the release of common pheasants and grey partridges for pointing dog training regarding consequences for biodiversity, animal welfare of the released birds and health of the released birds as well as wild birds to which pathogens may be transmitted. VKM was further asked to suggest risk reducing measures for biodiversity and animal welfare. Methods VKM established a project group with expertise within avian ecology, landscape ecology, population biology, wildlife veterinary medicine and animal welfare. The group conducted systematic literature searches, scrutinized the resulting literature, and supplemented by other relevant articles and reports. In the absence of Norwegian studies, VKM used literature from other countries where common pheasants and grey partridges (and in some cases other gamebirds), are released, as references. The project group applied observation data of common pheasants and grey partridges in Norway for the period 2000-2022, presented by the Norwegian Biodiversity Information Centre (NBIC). In the assessments, VKM assumed that the release of birds will be in the same order of magnitude as in previous years (a few thousand birds annually on a national level). The number of release sites and the density of released birds per site are unknown. Increasing the number and density of birds would also increase the probability of negative effects and the severity of the consequences. VKM assessed the impacts of released common pheasants and grey partridges on competition, predation, hybridization, transmission of disease, herbivory and indirect impacts through interactions with other species (predator abundance and pathogen-mediated competition). VKM also assessed the impact on biodiversity in a 50-year perspective. Furthermore, VKM discusses how the birds’ welfare might be impacted by rearing, transport, release and exposure to pointing dogs. Finally, VKM provides a list of relevant diseases and assessed their potential impact on animal health during transport, rearing and release. Results and conclusions VKMs assessment show that there are several risks to biodiversity, animal health, and animal welfare from the release of captive bred common pheasants and grey partridges in Norway. The risk of increased competition for food, particularly in winter, with birds with similar niches as common pheasants and grey partridges, is low on a national scale and moderat on a local scale. This is particularly so for yellowhammer, Emberiza citronella, a species categorized as vulnerable on the national red list due to its progressive population decline caused by reduced availability of food during winter. There is a moderate risk for predation on invertebrates and negative impacts on flora. Indirectly, activities connected to the release of birds may lead to moderate risks of altered predator abundance and disease-mediated competition. VKM concludes that the ecological impacts will be more severe for redlisted species present within the release areas for common pheasants and grey partridges. Repeated release of common pheasants and grey partridges can lead to high risk of disease transmission to wild birds. .............

• Boer, Hugo de; Rueness, Eli Knispel & Asmyhr, Maria Gulbrandsen (2022). Non-detriment finding for Bornean orangutang (Pogo pygmaeus). VKM Report. p. 1–5. Full text in Research Archive
• Eldegard, Katrine; Flø, Daniel; Kirkendall, Lawrence Richard; Malmstrøm, Martin; Nielsen, Anders & Rasmussen, Claus [Show all 13 contributors for this article] (2022). Assessment of the risks to honey bees and biodiversity in Norway posed by the predatory wasp species Vespa velutina and V. mandarinia - Scientific Opinion of the Panel on Alien Organisms and Trade in Endangered species of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Enviroment. VKM Report. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Med varmere klima er det mulig at asiatisk geithams (Vespa velutina) kan spre seg til Norge. Det er usannsynlig at japansk geithams (Vespa mandarina) vil spre seg til Norge.

• Kausrud, Kyrre Linné; Vandvik, Vigdis; Flø, Daniel; Geange, Sonya Rita; Hegland, Stein Joar & Hermansen, Jo Skeie [Show all 26 contributors for this article] (2022). Impacts of climate change on the boreal forest ecosystem. Scientific Opinion of the Panel on Alien Organisms and Trade in Endangered species (CITES) of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment. VKM Report. 2022(15). Full text in Research Archive
• Rueness, Eli Knispel; Kvie, Kjersti Sternang; Nilsen, Erlend Birkeland; Boer, Hugo de; Eldegard, Katrine & Hindar, Kjetil [Show all 13 contributors for this article] (2022). Compilation of knowledge on the global population of common minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata). Scientific Opinion of the Panel on Alien Organisms and Trade in Endangered Species of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment. VKM Report. 2022(01), p. 1–48. Full text in Research Archive
• Nielsen, Anders; Måren, Inger Elisabeth; Rosef, Line; Kirkendall, Lawrence Richard; Malmstrøm, Martin & Boer, Hugo de [Show all 15 contributors for this article] (2021). Assessment of possible adverse consequences for biodiversity when planting vascular plants outside their natural range in Norway - Scientific Opinion of the Panel on Alien Organisms and Trade in Endangered species (CITES) of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment (VKM). VKM Report. 2021(15), p. 1–97. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  We sow or plant vascular plant species on a large scale in revegetation and restoration projects in Norway today. Some of the species used are already found in Norway, but many of the species, subspecies or populations used though native are not local, that is, they are regionally alien. A regionally alien species is a species that is native to Norway (has been in Norway since 1800) somewhere in the country, but which has been spread by humans to places in Norway where they do not occur. In theory, and according to the Biodiversity Act, it is desirable to use local seeds or plants to preserve local biodiversity. The aim of this report is to define guidelines that helps prevent the planting of vascular plant species with a high potential for negative effects on local biodiversity. It is assumed that the native or local populations are better adapted to local environmental conditions than populations from other areas or regions, and the risk of harmful genetic changes is therefore considered small when using local plant and seed sources. Arriving at a common definition for the area within which plants are “local” is difficult, though; vascular plant species are numerous (3317 species in mainland Norway, of which more than half are alien species introduced after 1800, Artdatabanken 2015), have different growth forms, different environmental requirements, and different reproductive and dispersal ecology. Even closely related vascular plant species can differ in such characteristics and hence in the extent of the "place" or “area”. The dispersal ecology of a plant species is of great importance for whether the species has genetically distinct populations within its range or not. Different strategies (wind pollination vs. insect pollination, vegetative propagation vs. seed dispersal, large seeds vs. small seeds) have an impact on the degree of gene flow between populations and thus also how locally adapted the species is in different areas. Whether the species has primarily vegetative reproduction or whether it spreads mainly by means of seeds, and whether the seed dispersal takes place ballistically, with wind or water, or by zookori (attached to animals or eaten by animals) determines how far the species can spread and how large gene flow there is between different populations. Whether the species is pollinated by wind or by the help of insects also affects the degree of gene flow differently. In Norway, there is great variation in many biophysical and ecological conditions (climate, topography, hydrology, and geology) over relatively short distances. This means that species that grow only a few meters apart can grow under different environmental conditions. This large variation in environmental conditions - on different spatial scales - can give rise to local genetic adaptation. However, plants have been moved around the landscape for several hundred years by our livestock (as seeds in fur and hooves, and in faeces) from lowland pasture to mountain pasture and along traffic arteries across the country due to the extensive transport of animals and people. Over time, this has led to expanded geographical distribution for several species and increased gene flow between populations over relatively large distances. .............

• Velle, Gaute; Edsman, Lennart; Evangelista, Charlotte; Johnsen, Stein Ivar; Malmstrøm, Martin & Vrålstad, Trude [Show all 17 contributors for this article] (2021). Assessment of the risk to Norwegian biodiversity from import and keeping of crustaceans in freshwater aquaria. Scientific Opinion of the Panel on Alien Organisms and trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment. VKM Report. 2021(02), p. 1–377. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Key words: Risk assessment, Crayfish, Shrimps, Crabs, Climate change, Aphanomyces astaci, White spot syndrome, Alien species, Biological invasion Introduction The Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment (VKM) was requested by the Norwegian Environment Agency to assess the risk of negative impacts to biodiversity in Norway resulting from import of crustacean decapods for keeping in freshwater aquariums. VKM was asked to 1) list species of crayfish, crabs and shrimps that are currently kept in freshwater aquaria in Norway, and species that are likely to be kept in freshwater aquaria in Norway within the next 10 years, 2) assess the ability of the species to survive under Norwegian conditions and cause impacts on ecosystems and other species, and 3) state the potential negative effects on the biological diversity of diseases caused by pathogens, regulated under the Norwegian Food Act. Methods The risk assessment, without focus on pathogens, was performed in two steps. First, we used a pre-screening toolkit to identify species of crayfish, crabs and shrimps with potential to become invasive in freshwater habitats in Norway. Each species was given an invasiveness score based on 55 questions on biogeography, ecology, and climate change. In a second step, a full risk assessment, including the potential impacts of pathogens, was conducted on those species receiving the highest invasiveness score. This assessment included questions on the organism’s probability of entry and pathways of entry, establishment and spread, potential impacts on biodiversity, and how climate change scenarios might affect the assessment. Likelyhood and confidence was assessed for each question. In conclusion, each species was designated as either low-, moderate-, or high risk. Many crustacean decapod species are confirmed or suspected carriers of pathogens that can cause mass mortality among native crustaceans. The risk posed by crustaceans as carriers of pathogens may be independent of the environmental risk that they pose through ecological interactions. Therefore, the four crustacean disease pathogens that are regulated under the Norwegian Food Act, were assessed separately. These include Aphanomyces astaci causing crayfish plague, white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) causing white spot disease, Taura syndrome virus (TSV) causing Taura syndrome, and yellow head virus genotype 1 (YHV1) causing yellow head disease. The assessments comprised questions on the pathogen’s probability of entry (as a hitchhiker organism with imported crustaceans), pathways of entry, establishment and spread, and potential impact on crustacean biodiversity. Likelihood and confidence were assessed for each question. In conclusion, each pathogen was designated as either low-, moderate-, or high risk. In a third step, we categorized the likelihood that a crustacean species introduces a pathogen associated with a high- or moderate risk into: I) known chronic carriers, II) suspected chronic carriers, III) suspected situational carrier, IV) possible pathogen transmitters, and V) no direct or circumstantial evidence for carrier status or pathogen transmission in the genus. Results Based on information from the Norwegian Pet Trade Association, the project group listed 112 taxa (mainly species and some genera) of freshwater crayfish, crabs and shrimps that are relevant for trade in Norway. These included 38 crayfish taxa, 28 crab taxa, and 45 shrimp taxa. In addition, one marine crab was included. Sixteen species of crayfish, four species of shrimps, and two species of crabs underwent a full ecological risk assessment. The probabilities of entry both into the aquarium trade in Norway, and potentially further into Norwegian nature, were based on the prevalence of the species in the aquarium trade in Norway. We assumed that all species were equally likely to escape captivity or to be .........

• Bodin, Johanna Eva; Thorstensen, Tage; Alsheikh, Muath K; Basic, Dean; Edvardsen, Rolf Brudvik & Dalen, Knut Tomas [Show all 41 contributors for this article] (2021). Genome editing in food and feed production – implications for risk assessment. Scientific Opinion of the Scientific Steering Committee of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment. VKM Report. 2021(18). Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment (VKM) initiated this work to examine the extent to which organisms developed by genome-editing technologies pose new challenges in terms of risk assessment. This report considers whether the risk assessment guidance on genetically modified organisms, developed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), can be applied to evaluate potential risks of organisms developed by genome editing. Background Gene technology has allowed for the transfer of genes between organisms and species, and thereby to design altered genotypes with novel traits, i.e. GMOs. A new paradigm started in the early 2000s with the development of genome-editing techniques. Unlike traditional genetic modification techniques resulting in insertion of foreign DNA fragments at random locations in the genome, the new genome-editing techniques additionally open for a few single nucleotide edits or short insertions/deletions at a targeted site in an organism’s genome. These new techniques can be applied to most types of organisms, including plants, animals and microorganisms of commercial interest. An important question is how the novel, genome-edited organisms should be evaluated with respect to risks to health and the environment. The European Court of Justice decided in 2018 to include genome-edited organisms in the GMO definition and hence in the regulatory system already in place. This implies that all products developed by genome-editing techniques must be risk-assessed within the existing regulatory framework for GMOs. The European and Norwegian regulatory frameworks regulate the production, import and placing on the market of food and feed containing, consisting of or produced from GMOs, as well as the release of GMOs into the environment. The assessment draws on guidance documents originally developed by EFSA for risk assessment of GMOs, which were drawn up mainly to address risks regarding insertion of transgenes. The new genome-editing techniques, however, provide a new continuum of organisms ranging from those only containing a minor genetic alteration to organisms containing insertion or deletion of larger genomic regions. Risk assessment of organisms developed by genome editing The present discourse on how new genome-editing techniques should be regulated lacks an analysis of whether risk assessment methodologies for GMOs are adequate for risk assessment of organisms developed through the use of the new genome-editing techniques. Therefore, this report describes the use of genome-editing techniques in food and feed production and discusses challenges in risk assessment with the regulatory framework. Specifically, this report poses the question as to whether the EFSA guidance documents are sufficient for evaluating risks to health and environment posed by genome-edited plants, animals and microorganisms. To address these questions, the report makes use of case examples relevant for Norway. These examples, intended for food and feed, include oilseed rape with a modified fatty acid profile, herbicide-tolerant and pest-resistant crops, sterile salmon, virus-resistant pigs and hornless cattle. The report considers all aspects of the stepwise approach as described in the EFSA guidance documents. Conclusions The inherent flexibility of the EFSA guidance makes it suitable to cover health and environmental risk assessments of a wide range of organisms with various traits and intended uses. Combined with the embedded case-by-case approach the guidance is applicable to genome-edited organisms. The evaluation of the guidance demonstrates that the parts of the health and environmental risk assessment concerned with novel traits (i.e. the phenotype of the organism) may be fully applied to all categories of genome-edited organisms. ............

• Hennelly, Lauren M.; Habib, Bilal; Modi, Shrushti; Rueness, Eli Knispel; Gaubert, Philippe & Sacks, Benjamin N. (2021). Ancient divergence of Indian and Tibetan wolves revealed by recombination-aware phylogenomics. Molecular Ecology. ISSN 0962-1083. 30(24), p. 6687–6700. doi: 10.1111/mec.16127. Full text in Research Archive
• Thorstad, Eva Bonsak; Garseth, Åse Helen; Gjøen, Tor; Gulla, Snorre; Lo, Håvard & Malmstrøm, Martin [Show all 22 contributors for this article] (2021). Assessment of the risk of negative impact on biodiversity from import and release of eggs or live fish from landlocked Atlantic salmon from Klarälven in Sweden to Trysilelva in Norway. Scientific Opinion of the Panel on Alien Organisms and Trade in Endangered Species of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment. VKM Report. 2021(04). Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Introduction Atlantic salmon in the River Klarälven in Sweden live the entire life in freshwater, undertaking feeding migrations to Lake Vänern. The upper part of the watershed is in Norway and comprises the River Trysilelva and associated rivers and lakes. Atlantic salmon previously lived in the Norwegian part of the watershed but were lost due to the construction of 11 hydropower stations that block the upstream migration from Vänern. The power stations also cause a high mortality among downstream migrating fish. Tagging studies showed that there is 71-84% mortality of juveniles (smolts) and 100% mortality of adults during downstream migration past the eight lowermost power stations. Extensive mitigation measures are needed to reduce the mortality of downstream migrants and reestablish a population that can reach areas in Norway naturally without being captured in Sweden and transported to Norway. In 2015, the total costs of establishing fishways bypassing the power stations and securing safe downstream migration was estimated to be 1000 million SEK. To compensate for a decline of salmon due to lost habitat, hatchery-produced juveniles have been released in the watershed for more than 100 years, and adult salmon have been captured in the lower reaches of Klarälven and released in upstream reaches. After the Höljes power station was built, 80% of the salmon transported upstream were released upstream of Höljes. In 1993, the Norwegian government stopped these releases due to the large mortality of downstream migrating fish at the power stations. The releases had already been stopped from late summer 1988 due to bacterial kidney disease (BKD) outbreaks in salmon populations in the watershed. Since 1988, transported fish have been released upstream of Edsforsen in Sweden, and have not been able to reach Norway. Aim of report The Norwegian Environment Agency asked VKM to carry out a risk assessment of three specified methods that can be used to reestablish salmon in the Norwegian part of the watershed. This risk assessment is pertinent because the occurrence of alien organisms and infectious agents have developed differently in the Swedish and Norwegian parts of the watershed after salmon became unable to migrate through the river system. In 2013, the fish parasite Gyrodactylus salaris was detected in Klarälven, but has not been recorded in Norwegian parts of the watershed. Here, we assess the risk of negative impacts on native biodiversity by importing Atlantic salmon eggs or live adults from Klarälven to Norway. Three methods of importing eggs or adults were assessed: I. Import of fertilised eggs to a local hatchery in Norway, which are planted in the river in the spring or hatched and released as juveniles or smolts. II. Import of fertilised eggs that will be used to establish a long-term broodstock in Norway using the gene bank model, from which eggs can be planted into the river, or transferred to a local hatchery with subsequent release of juveniles or smolts. III. Import of adult salmon spawners that are captured in the lower parts of Klarälven in Sweden, transported in tanks and released in the Norwegian parts of the watershed. Methods The risk assessment was based on a literature review and qualitative assessment of each of the three methods of importing eggs or adults. The risk of impacts on native biodiversity and ecosystems was assessed for infectious agents, including parasites, bacterial pathogens, and viruses, and for other alien species. For each of the infectious agents and alien species, the risk is based on the product of the magnitude of the potential negative impact to native biodiversity and ecosystems, and the likelihood that negative consequences occur. The risk assessment concludes in terms of low, moderate, or high risk. .......................

• Ytrehus, Bjørnar; Asmyhr, Maria Gulbrandsen; Hansen, Helge; Mysterud, Atle; Nilsen, Erlend Birkeland & Strand, Olav [Show all 12 contributors for this article] (2021). Handlingsrommet etter påvisning av skrantesyke (Chronic Wasting Disease, CWD) på Hardangervidda – grunnlag for fremtidige forvaltningsstrategier. Vitenskapelig uttalelse fra Vitenskapskomiteen for Mat og Miljø (VKM). VKM Report. 2021(1), p. 1–122. Full text in Research Archive
• Nilsen, Erlend Birkeland; Austrheim, Gunnar; Gjøen, Tor; Kvie, Kjersti Sternang; Malmstrøm, Martin & Ytrehus, Bjørnar [Show all 15 contributors for this article] (2021). Assessment of the risk to Norwegian biodiversity from import and keeping of American bison, European bison, domesticated water buffalo and domesticated yak. Scientific Opinion of the panel on Alien Organisms and Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment. VKM Report. 2021(20), p. 1–77. Full text in Research Archive
• Mallil, Kahina; Justy, Fabienne; Rueness, Eli Knispel; Dufour, Sylvain; Totis, Thibaut & Bloch, Cécilie [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2020). Population genetics of the African wolf (Canis lupaster) across its range: first evidence of hybridization with domestic dogs in Africa. Mammalian Biology. ISSN 1616-5047. 100, p. 645–658. doi: 10.1007/s42991-020-00059-1. Full text in Research Archive
• Rueness, Eli Knispel; Asmyhr, Maria Gulbrandsen; Boer, Hugo de; Eldegard, Katrine; Hole, Lars Robert & Hindar, Kjetil [Show all 14 contributors for this article] (2020). A CITES risk assessment for polar bear (Ursus maritimus). Opinion of the Panel on alien organisms and trade in endangered species (CITES) of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment. VKM Report. 2020(06), p. 1–85. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Key words: Ursus maritimus, CITES, polar bear, Non-Detriment Finding, Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment, Norwegian Environment Agency, VKM Background: Canada is the only nation in the world that allows commercial export of polar bear products harvested from its own wild populations. Norway is among the destinations for exported material. Polar bears are listed on CITES appendix II and on list B of the Norwegian CITES Regulation. Import of harvested polar bears to Norway requires both export permits from the Canadian CITES authorities and import permits from the Norwegian Environment Agency. Consequently, a Non-Detriment Finding (NDF) is mandated and was commissioned by the Norwegian Environment Agency (Norwegian Management Authority for CITES) to the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment (VKM) (Norway’s CITES Scientific Authority). The NDF is a scientific risk assessment evaluating whether or not international trade can be detrimental to the survival of polar bears. The risk assessment may also be used by the Norwegian Environment Agency to assess whether the polar bears should be placed on Norwegian CITES list A. Currently, the IUCN/SSC Polar Bear Specialist Group (PBSG) recognizes 19 subpopulations of polar bears in the circumpolar Arctic, of which 13 reside wholly (9) or partly (4) in Canada. Together, these 13 populations account for about two thirds of the world’s total polar bear population. This risk assessment considers the populations that are within the hunting areas. Methods: VKM has reviewed current knowledge about polar bear biological characteristics, population status and trends in subpopulations. Scenarios for the future development of the Arctic environment, to which the species is inextricably adapted, are presented. Habitat loss due to declining sea ice is widely recognized as the main threat to polar bears, and this, as well as other obstacles to the species survival, has been evaluated. The various legislations, regulations and monitoring regimes of the range countries are briefly summarised. Moreover, international trade in polar bear products has been analysed. VKM has further undertaken an assessment of data quality and uncertainties. In order to gain access to the most recent information on polar bear biology and management, four scientists from the PBSG were interviewed and the transcripts of the interviews (with consent from the hearing experts) are attached to this report. Results: The best scientific knowledge available for polar bears in Canada suggests that four subpopulations are in decline, two are stable, and one is increasing, while the population trends for the remaining subpopulations are unknown. Noteworthy, all the estimates of population size are highly uncertain. Survey methods also changed between the 2008 and 2018 population estimates used for quota setting. Moreover, data are in most areas collected too infrequently to detect rapid changes in population size. Particularly, under changing environmental conditions. The prognosis for the Arctic marine environment points towards continuing habitat loss and inevitably further decline for the polar bear population. Analyses of data from the CITES trade database reveal a dynamic international market for polar bear products with significant changes in destination countries and the purpose for transactions. The United States was the main importer of polar bear products, mainly hunting trophies, until listing the polar bear as a threatened species in 2008. In more recent years, China has become the major importer, with hides being the preferred product. Simultaneously with these changes, there has been a significant increase in the price of polar bear hides. Conclusion: Several polar bear subpopulations are in decline. Predictions of continuing habitat loss points to further decline. While not the main threat to polar bear survival, international trade .......

• Hindar, Kjetil; Hole, Lars Robert; Kausrud, Kyrre Linné; Malmstrøm, Martin; Rimstad, Espen & Robertson, Lucy [Show all 18 contributors for this article] (2020). Assessment of the risk to Norwegian biodiversity and aquaculture from pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha). Scientific Opinion of the Panel on Alien Organisms and Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment. VKM Report. 2020(01), p. 1–157. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Key words: VKM, risk assessment, Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment, Norwegian Environment Agency, Norwegian Food Safety Authority Introduction: The Norwegian Environment Agency and the Norwegian Food Safety Authority asked the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment to assess the risk to Norwegian biodiversity, to the productivity of native salmonid populations, and to aquaculture, from the spread and establishment of pink salmon in Norwegian rivers, and to assess mitigation measures to prevent the spread and establishment of this alien species. Pink salmon is native to rivers around the northern Pacific Ocean. The species usually has a strict two-year life cycle, with populations spawning in even and odd years being genetically isolated. Fertilized eggs of pink salmon were transferred from Sakhalin Island to Northwest Russia in the late 1950s, and fry were released in rivers draining to the White Sea. The first abundant return to rivers in Northwest Russia, as well as to Norway and other countries in northwestern Europe, was recorded in 1960. Stocking with fish from Sakhalin was terminated in 1979. By then, no self-sustaining populations had been established. From 1985 onwards, stocking in White Sea rivers was resumed with fish from rivers in the more northerly Magadan oblast on the Russian Pacific, resulting in the establishment of reproducing populations. Stocking was continued until 1999, when the last batch of evenyear fertilized eggs was imported, and the fry released in spring 2000. Thus, all pink salmon caught after 2001 in the Northeast Atlantic and the Atlantic side of the Arctic Ocean including the Barents Sea, as well as in rivers draining into these seas, are the result of reproduction in the wild. Pink salmon is now established with abundant and increasing stocks in Northwest Russia and regular occurrence in rivers in eastern Finnmark. Catches of odd-year adult pink salmon in Northwest Russia were usually below 100 tonnes before 2001 and increased to an annual average of 220.5 tonnes during the period 2001-2017. Even-year returns are smaller than odd-year returns both in Northwest Russia and in Norway. The number of pink salmon recorded in Norwegian rivers peaked in 2017, with a high number of fish in eastern Finnmark, and substantial numbers recorded in rivers all along the coast of Norway and in other European countries. In 2019, the area with abundant returns expanded in comparison with 2017, to include rivers in western Finnmark and Troms. The recorded numbers were perhaps lower in southern Norway in 2017 than in 2019 (full statistics not available when this report was finalised), but also in southern Norway there were more pink salmon in 2019 than in any year before 2017. The large numbers of pink salmon in western Finnmark and Troms in 2019 may indicate an expansion of the area in Norway with abundant odd-year pink salmon returns. In some small rivers in eastern Finnmark, between 1000 and 1500 pink salmon were fished out by local people in 2019, demonstrating the magnitude of the potential impact in terms of numbers of pink salmon. We cannot rule out that this will not happen over larger parts of Norway in the coming years. The even-year strain of pink salmon only occurs in low numbers in Russian rivers, as well as Norwegian, rivers. Adult pink salmon enter the rivers from early July, and spawning occurs in AugustSeptember. Spawning habitat requirements are like those of native salmonids: Atlantic salmon, brown trout, and Arctic charr. Spawning of pink salmon occurs earlier than the native salmonids, but observations in 2019 indicate a possible overlap with native salmonids in September in northern Norway. . Pink salmon eggs hatch in late winter or spring, and the alevins remain in the gravel until most of the yolk sac has been resorbed. Emerging fry are approximately 30 mm in length. ...................

• Rueness, Eli Knispel; Asmyhr, Maria Gulbrandsen; Boer, Hugo de; Eldegard, Katrine; Hindar, Kjetil & Hole, Lars Robert [Show all 14 contributors for this article] (2020). Status and trade assessment of parrots listed in CITES Appendix I. Scientific Opinion of the Panel on Alien Organisms and trade in endangered species (CITES) of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment. VKM Report. 2020(15), p. 1–129. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Key words: Psittaciformes, CITES, Appendix I parrots, Status and trade assessment, Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment, Norwegian Environment Agency, VKM Background: Parrots are one of the most species-rich groups of birds of which the majority inhabits tropical and subtropical forests. Nearly one-third of parrots are threatened with extinction (IUCN categories CR, EN or VU) and more than half of the world’s parrot species are assumed to be decreasing in numbers. Parrots are popular pets on all continents, mainly due to their colourful feathers, their capacity to mimic the human voice, and their tolerance to life in captivity. More than 250 species have been traded internationally. Since the inception of CITES in 1975, trade of about 12 million live wild-sourced parrots has been registered. Currently, 55 parrot species are listed on CITES Appendix I (Norwegian CITES regulation list A) that includes the most endangered among CITES-listed animals and plants. In compliance with CITES, Norway only permits import for commercial purposes of Appendix I listed parrots bred in captivity in operations included in the Secretariat's Register (Resolution Conf. 12.10 (Rev. CoP15). Presently, 9 of the Appendix I parrot species are bred in such facilities. Import of Appendix I species to Norway requires permits both from the exporter’s CITES authority and the Norwegian Environment Agency (Norwegian CITES Management Authority). All legal transactions of CITES Appendix I listed species should be recorded in the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) Trade Database. However, discrepancies are common, demonstrating that the trade monitoring is not accurate. Moreover, several studies suggest that regardless of efforts to regulate trade, the global conservation situation for parrots may be worse than estimated by the IUCN species statuses. Even though habitat loss is the main threat to most parrot species, it has been suggested that priority should be given to conservation actions aimed at reducing the illegal capture of wild parrots for the pet trade. As Norway’s CITES Scientific Authority, the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment (VKM) was assigned by the Norwegian Environment Agency to assess the status of populations and trade for Appendix I parrot species. Methods: As different trade patterns are typical for different geographic regions, the species were initially divided into three groups: Africa, Australasia and Central and South America. For species with commercial trade registered in the UNEP-WCMC trade database after year 2010 a full assessment was made. In addition, two species for which negative impact from illegal trade is suspected were also fully assessed. The assessments are based on the Norwegian Cites Regulation and Article III of the Convention and Resolution 16.7(Rev.CoP17). Information on the parrot species assessed in this report were gathered from the text accounts published by BirdLife International and Birds of the World as well as literature cited in the text. Results: VKM undertook full assessments of the population status and trade for 26 of the 55 CITES Appendix I species. The species assessments are presented as fact sheets. They each contain a brief summary of the species’ biology (name, taxonomy, distribution, life history, habitat and role in ecosystem), populations and trends, threats and conservation status, population surveillance and regulations, evaluation of legal/illegal trapping and trade, overall assessment of data quality and references. We found that the quantity, as well as quality, of the information available for the Appendix I parrot species varied much. This was the case for data on general biology, population size and trends and levels of illegal trade. For all of the 23 of species for which commercial trade was registered since 2010 in the UNEP-WCMC trade database discrepancies ........

• Mekonnen, Addisu; Rueness, Eli Knispel; Stenseth, Nils Christian; Fashing, Peter; Bekele, Afework & Hernandez-Aguilar, Raquel Adriana [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2018). Population genetic structure and evolutionary history of Bale monkeys (Chlorocebus djamdjamensis) in the southern Ethiopian Highlands. BMC Evolutionary Biology. 18(1), p. 1–15. doi: 10.1186/s12862-018-1217-y. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Species with a restricted geographic distribution, and highly specialized habitat and dietary requirements, are particularly vulnerable to extinction. The Bale monkey (Chlorocebus djamdjamensis) is a little-known arboreal, bamboo-specialist primate endemic to the southern Ethiopian Highlands. While most Bale monkeys inhabit montane forests dominated by bamboo, some occupy forest fragments where bamboo is much less abundant. We used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences to analyse the genetic structure and evolutionary history of Bale monkeys covering the majority of their remaining distribution range. We analysed 119 faecal samples from their two main habitats, continuous forest (CF) and fragmented forests (FF), and sequenced 735 bp of the hypervariable region I (HVI) of the control region. We added 12 orthologous sequences from congeneric vervets (C. pygerythrus) and grivets (C. aethiops) as well as animals identified as hybrids, previously collected in southern Ethiopia. Results We found strong genetic differentiation (with no shared mtDNA haplotypes) between Bale monkey populations from CF and FF. Phylogenetic analyses revealed two distinct and highly diverged clades: a Bale monkey clade containing only Bale monkeys from CF and a green monkey clade where Bale monkeys from FF cluster with grivets and vervets. Analyses of demographic history revealed that Bale monkey populations (CF and FF) have had stable population sizes over an extended period, but have all recently experienced population declines. Conclusions The pronounced genetic structure and deep mtDNA divergence between Bale monkey populations inhabiting CF and FF are likely to be the results of hybridization and introgression of the FF population with parapatric Chlorocebus species, in contrast to the CF population, which was most likely not impacted by hybridization. Hybridization in the FF population was probably enhanced by an alteration of the bamboo forest habitat towards a more open woodland habitat, which enabled the parapatric Chlorocebus species to invade the Bale monkey's range and introgress the FF population. We therefore propose that the CF and FF Bale monkey populations should be managed as separate units when developing conservation strategies for this threatened species.

• Trosvik, Pål; Rueness, Eli Knispel; Muinck, Eric de; Moges, Amera & Mekonnen, Addisu (2018). Ecological plasticity in the gastrointestinal microbiomes of Ethiopian Chlorocebus monkeys. Scientific Reports. 8(1), p. 1–10. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-18435-2. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Human activities can cause habitat degradation that may alter the types and quality of available food resources and thus influence the microbiomes of wild animal populations. Furthermore, seasonal shifts in food availability may cause adaptive responses in the gut microbiome to meet the need for different metabolic capabilities. Here, we demonstrate local-scale population structure in the gastrointestinal microbiotas of Chlorocebus monkeys, in southern Ethiopia, in response to varying degrees of human encroachment. We further provide evidence of adaptation to ecological conditions associated with the dry and wet seasons, and show seasonal effects to be more pronounced in areas with limited human activity. Finally, we report species-level microbiota differences between the endemic Ethiopian Bale monkey, an ecological specialist, and generalist Chlorocebus species from the same geographical region.

• Mekonnen, Addisu; Fashing, Peter; Sargis, Eric J.; Venkataraman, Vivek V.; Bekele, Afework & Hernandez-Aguilar, Raquel Adriana [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2018). Flexibility in positional behavior, strata use, and substrate utilization among Bale monkeys (Chlorocebus djamdjamensis) in response to habitat fragmentation and degradation. American Journal of Primatology. ISSN 0275-2565. 80(5). doi: 10.1002/ajp.22760. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Studies of the effects of habitat fragmentation and degradation on primate positional behavior, strata use, and substrate utilization offer valuable insights into the behavioral and ecological flexibility of primates whose habitats have undergone extensive anthropogenic disturbance. In this study, we evaluated how positional behavior, strata use, and substrate utilization differed between Bale monkeys (Chlorocebus djamdjamensis)—bamboo‐eating cercopithecids endemic to the southern Ethiopian Highlands—occupying continuous versus fragmented forests. Bale monkeys in forest fragments (where bamboo had been degraded or eradicated) spent significantly more time on the ground and in understory strata whereas those in continuous forest spent significantly more time in the middle and upper strata. Bale monkeys in forest fragments also spent significantly more time walking and galloping and significantly less time climbing than those in continuous forest. Our results suggest that, unlike the primarily arboreal Bale monkeys in continuous forest, Bale monkeys in forest fragments should be characterized as semi‐terrestrial. In response to habitat disturbance in fragments, we observed a greater emphasis on terrestrial foraging and travel among Bale monkeys in these human altered habitats, which may put them at greater risk of predation and conflict with nearby human populations. Bale monkeys in fragments exhibit flexibility in their positional behavioral repertoire and their degree of terrestriality is more similar to their sister taxa in Chlorocebus than to Bale monkeys in continuous forest. These findings suggest that habitat alteration may compel Bale monkeys to exhibit semi‐terrestrial behaviors crucial for their persistence in human‐modified habitats. Our results contribute to a growing body of literature on primate behavioral responses to anthropogenic modification of their habitats and provide information that can contribute to the design of appropriate conservation management plans.

• Gopalakrishnan, Shyam; Sinding, Mikkel Holger Strander; Ramos-Madrigal, Jazmín; Niemann, Jonas; Castruita, Jose A. Samaniego & Vieira, Filipe G. [Show all 27 contributors for this article] (2018). Interspecific gene flow shaped the evolution of the genus Canis. Current Biology. ISSN 0960-9822. 28(21), p. 3441–3449. doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2018.08.041. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The evolutionary history of the wolf-like canids of the genus Canis has been heavily debated, especially regarding the number of distinct species and their relationships at the population and species level [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. We assembled a dataset of 48 resequenced genomes spanning all members of the genus Canis except the black-backed and side-striped jackals, encompassing the global diversity of seven extant canid lineages. This includes eight new genomes, including the first resequenced Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis), one dhole (Cuon alpinus), two East African hunting dogs (Lycaon pictus), two Eurasian golden jackals (Canis aureus), and two Middle Eastern gray wolves (Canis lupus). The relationships between the Ethiopian wolf, African golden wolf, and golden jackal were resolved. We highlight the role of interspecific hybridization in the evolution of this charismatic group. Specifically, we find gene flow between the ancestors of the dhole and African hunting dog and admixture between the gray wolf, coyote (Canis latrans), golden jackal, and African golden wolf. Additionally, we report gene flow from gray and Ethiopian wolves to the African golden wolf, suggesting that the African golden wolf originated through hybridization between these species. Finally, we hypothesize that coyotes and gray wolves carry genetic material derived from a “ghost” basal canid lineage.

• Trosvik, Pål; Muinck, Eric de; Rueness, Eli Knispel; Fashing, Peter; Beierschmitt, Evan C. & Callingham, Kadie R. [Show all 12 contributors for this article] (2018). Multilevel social structure and diet shape the gut microbiota of the gelada monkey, the only grazing primate. Microbiome. 6(84), p. 1–18. doi: 10.1186/s40168-018-0468-6. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background The gelada monkey (Theropithecus gelada), endemic to the Ethiopian highlands, is the only graminivorous primate, i.e., it feeds mainly on grasses and sedges. In spite of known dental, manual, and locomotor adaptations, the intestinal anatomy of geladas is similar to that of other primates. We currently lack a clear understanding of the adaptations in digestive physiology necessary for this species to subsist on a graminoid-based diet, but digestion in other graminivores, such as ruminants, relies heavily on the microbial community residing in the gastrointestinal (GI) system. Furthermore, geladas form complex, multilevel societies, making them a suitable system for investigating links between sociality and the GI microbiota. Results Here, we explore the gastrointestinal microbiota of gelada monkeys inhabiting an intact ecosystem and document how factors like multilevel social structure and seasonal changes in diet shape the GI microbiota. We compare the gelada GI microbiota to those of other primate species, reporting a gradient from geladas to herbivorous specialist monkeys to dietary generalist monkeys and lastly humans, the ultimate ecological generalists. We also compare the microbiotas of the gelada GI tract and the sheep rumen, finding that geladas are highly enriched for cellulolytic bacteria associated with ruminant digestion, relative to other primates. Conclusions This study represents the first analysis of the gelada GI microbiota, providing insights into the adaptations underlying graminivory in a primate. Our results also highlight the role of social organization in structuring the GI microbiota within a society of wild animals.

• Mekonnen, Addisu; Fashing, Peter; Bekele, Afework; Hernandez-Aguilar, Raquel Adriana; Rueness, Eli Knispel & Stenseth, Nils Christian (2018). Dietary flexibility of Bale monkeys (Chlorocebus djamdjamensis) in southern Ethiopia: effects of habitat degradation and life in fragments. BMC Ecology. 18(4), p. 1–20. doi: 10.1186/s12898-018-0161-4. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Understanding the effects of habitat modification on the feeding strategies of threatened species is essential to designing effective conservation management plans. Bale monkeys (Chlorocebus djamdjamensis) are endemic to the rapidly shrinking montane forests of the southern Ethiopian Highlands. Most populations inhabit continuous bamboo forest subsisting largely on the young leaves and shoots of a single species of bamboo. Because of habitat disturbance in recent decades, however, there are now also several dozen small populations inhabiting isolated forest fragments where bamboo has been degraded. During 12-months, we assessed Bale monkey responses to habitat degradation by comparing habitat composition, phenological patterns, and feeding ecology in a largely undisturbed continuous forest (Continuous groups A and B) and in two fragments (Patchy and Hilltop groups). Results We found that habitat quality and food availability were much lower in fragments than in continuous forest. In response to the relative scarcity of bamboo in fragments, Bale monkeys spent significantly less time feeding on the young leaves and shoots of bamboo and significantly more time feeding on non-bamboo young leaves, fruits, seeds, stems, petioles, and insects in fragments than in continuous forest. Groups in fragments also broadened their diets to incorporate many more plant species (Patchy: ≥ 47 and Hilltop: ≥ 35 species)—including several forbs, graminoids and cultivated crops—than groups in continuous forest (Continuous A: 12 and Continuous B: 8 species). Nevertheless, bamboo was still the top food species for Patchy group (30% of diet) as well as for both continuous forest groups (mean = 81%). However, in Hilltop group, for which bamboo was especially scarce, Bothriochloa radicans (Poaceae), a grass, was the top dietary species (15% of diet) and bamboo ranked 10th (2%). Conclusions We demonstrate that Bale monkeys are more dietarily flexible than previously thought and able to cope with some degradation of their primary bamboo forest habitat. However, crop raiding and other terrestrial foraging habits more common among fragment groups may place them at greater risk of hunting by humans. Thus, longitudinal monitoring is necessary to evaluate the long-term viability of Bale monkey populations in fragmented habitats.

• Liu, Yan-Hu; Wang, Lu; Xu, Tao; Guo, Xiaomin; Li, Yang & Yin, Ting-Ting [Show all 30 contributors for this article] (2017). Whole-genome sequencing of African dogs provides insights into adaptations against tropical parasites. Molecular Biology and Evolution (MBE). ISSN 0737-4038. 35(2), p. 287–298. doi: 10.1093/molbev/msx258. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Natural selection in domestic dogs is of great interest in evolutionary biology since dogs have migrated to every inhabited continent of the world alongside humans, and adapted to diverse environments. Here, we explored their demographic history and genetic basis of adaptation to the tropical African environment using whole genome analyses of 19 African indigenous dogs from Nigeria. Demographic analysis suggests that the ancestors of these dogs migrated into Africa from Eurasia 14,000 years ago and underwent a severe founder effect before population expansion. Admixture analysis further reveals that African dog genomes contain about 1.88–3.50% introgression from African golden wolves (Canis anthus). Population genetic analysis identifies 50 positively selected genes linked with immunity, angiogenesis, ultraviolet protection, as well as insulin secretion and sensitivity that may contribute to adaptation to tropical conditions. One of the positively selected genes, adhesion G protein-coupled receptor E1 (ADGRE1), has also been found to be association with severe malaria resistance in African human populations. Functional assessments showed that ADGRE1 provides protective host defense against Plasmodium infections. This result, together with the fact that the inflammatory response to canine babesiosis is similar to complicated falciparum malaria in humans, support the dogs as a model for the study of malaria control and treatment.

• Mekonnen, Addisu; Fashing, Peter; Bekele, Afework; Hernandez-Aguilar, Raquel Adriana; Rueness, Eli Knispel & Nguyen, Nga [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2017). Impacts of habitat loss and fragmentation on the activity budget, ranging ecology and habitat use of Bale monkeys (Chlorocebus djamdjamensis) in the southern Ethiopian Highlands. American Journal of Primatology. ISSN 0275-2565. 79, p. 1–13. doi: 10.1002/ajp.22644. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Understanding the extent to which primates in forest fragments can adjust behaviorally and ecologically to changes caused by deforestation is essential to designing conservation management plans. During a 12‐month period, we studied the effects of habitat loss and degradation on the Ethiopian endemic, bamboo specialist, Bale monkey (Chlorocebus djamdjamensis) by comparing its habitat quality, activity budget, ranging ecology and habitat use in continuous forest and two fragments. We found that habitat loss and fragmentation resulted in major differences in vegetation composition and structure between forest types. We also found that Bale monkeys in continuous forest spent more time feeding and traveling and less time resting and socializing than monkeys in fragments. Bale monkeys in continuous forest also had higher movement rates (m/hr) than monkeys in fragments. Bale monkeys in continuous forest used exclusively bamboo and mixed bamboo forest habitats while conspecifics in fragments used a greater variety of habitats including human use areas (i.e., matrix). Our findings suggest that Bale monkeys in fragments use an energy minimization strategy to cope with the lower availability of the species' primary food species, bamboo (Arundinaria alpina). We contend that Bale monkeys may retain some of the ancestral ecological flexibility assumed to be characteristic of the genus Chlorocebus, within which all extant species except Bale monkeys are regarded as ecological generalists. Our results suggest that, like other bamboo eating primates (e.g., the bamboo lemurs of Madagascar), Bale monkeys can cope with a certain threshold of habitat destruction. However, the long‐term conservation prospects for Bale monkeys in fragments remain unclear and will require further monitoring to be properly evaluated.

• Atickem, Anagaw Meshesha; Cooper, David; Kock, Richard; Rueness, Eli Knispel; Fisher, Martha & Bekele, Afework [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2016). Immobilization of Mountain nyala (Tragelaphus buxtoni) in the Bale Mountains, Ethiopia. Gnusletter. ISSN 2304-0718. 33(2), p. 6–9. Full text in Research Archive
• Atickem, Anagaw Meshesha; Rueness, Eli Knispel; Loe, Leif Egil & Stenseth, Nils Christian (2016). Biological Conservation Founded on Landscape Genetics: The Case of the Endangered Mountain Nyala in the Southern Highlands of Ethiopia. In Bro-Jørgensen, Jakob & Mallon, David P (Ed.), Antelope Conservation: From Diagnosis to Action. Wiley-Blackwell. ISSN 9781118409640. p. 172–189. doi: 10.1002/9781118409572.ch10. Full text in Research Archive

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• Kopatz, Alexander; Hermansen, Jo Skeie; Grainger, Matthew; Mauvisseau, Quentin; Rueness, Eli Knispel & Star, Bastiaan (2026). Non-detriment finding for Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica). VKM Bulletin. 2026(14), p. 1–8. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  VKM concludes that the export from Norway to Hungary of one live female Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) bred in captivity will be non-detrimental to the survival of the species and will not adversely affect its conservation status, in accordance with Article IV of the Convention and Chapter 2, Section 5 of the Norwegian CITES Regulation.

• Star, Bastiaan; Hermansen, Jo Skeie; Gehrke, Berit; Grainger, Matthew; Kopatz, Alexander & Mauvisseau, Quentin [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2026). Non-detriment finding for stony corals (order Scleractinia). VKM Bulletin. 2026(16), p. 1–10. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  VKM concludes that the proposed export of live, asexually propagated stony coral specimens (Order Scleractinia) will be non-detrimental to the survival of the species and will not adversely affect their conservation status, in accordance with Article IV of the Convention and Chapter 2, Section 5 of the Norwegian CITES Regulation.

• Eldegard, Katrine; Hermansen, Jo Skeie; Mauvisseau, Quentin; Rueness, Eli Knispel; Star, Bastiaan & Boer, Hugo de (2026). Non-detriment finding for osprey (Pandion haliaetus). VKM Bulletin. 2026(15), p. 1–10. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  VKM concludes that the proposed export of a maximum of 26 live, wild-sourced osprey fledglings for reintroduction purposes will be non-detrimental to the survival of the species and will not adversely affect its conservation status, in accordance with Article IV of the Convention and Chapter 2, Section 5 of the Norwegian CITES Regulation.

• Hermansen, Jo Skeie; Eldegard, Katrine; Grainger, Matthew; Kopatz, Alexander; Mauvisseau, Quentin & Rueness, Eli Knispel [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2026). Non-detriment finding for Cuban crocodiles (Crocodylus rhombifer). VKM Bulletin. 2026(07), p. 1–7. doi: https:/vkm.no/english/riskassessments/allpublications/ndfforreexportofthreelivecubancrocodilescrocodylusrhombiferbornincaptivity.4.52ec987319c88eb5fde7b061.html. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  VKM concludes that the re-export from Norway to Denmark of three live Cuban crocodiles (Crocodylus rhombifer) born in captivity for the purpose of zoological exhibition will be non-detrimental to the survival of the species and will not adversely affect its conservation status, in accordance with Article IV of the Convention and Chapter 2, Section 5 of the Norwegian CITES Regulation.

• Grainger, Matthew; Eldegard, Katrine; Hermansen, Jo Skeie; Kopatz, Alexander; Mauvisseau, Quentin & Rueness, Eli Knispel [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2026). Non-detriment finding for Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx). VKM Bulletin. 2026(06), p. 1–8. doi: https:/vkm.no/english/riskassessments/allpublications/ndfforexportofhuntingtrophyfromeurasianlynxlynxlynx.4.52ec987319c88eb5fde7ad89.html. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  VKM concludes that the export of one harvested wild female Lynx lynx from Norway to Sweden as a hunting trophy will be non-detrimental to the survival of the species and will not adversely affect its conservation status, in accordance with Article IV of the Convention and Chapter 2, Section 5 of the Norwegian CITES Regulation.

• Star, Bastiaan; Hermansen, Jo Skeie; Eldegard, Katrine; Grainger, Matthew; Kopatz, Alexander & Mauvisseau, Quentin [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2026). Non-detriment finding for stony corals (order Scleractinia). VKM Bulletin. 2026(05), p. 1–10. doi: https:/vkm.no/english/riskassessments/allpublications/ndfforexportoflivestonycoralsorderscleractinia.4.52ec987319c88eb5fde7ab90.html. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  VKM concludes that the proposed export of live, asexually propagated stony coral specimens (Order Scleractinia) will be non-detrimental to the survival of the species and will not adversely affect their conservation status, in accordance with Article IV of the Convention and Chapter 2, Section 5 of the Norwegian CITES Regulation.

• Hermansen, Jo Skeie; Eldegard, Katrine; Grainger, Matthew; Mauvisseau, Quentin; Rueness, Eli Knispel & Star, Bastiaan [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2026). Non-detriment finding for ocellated spinytail (Uromastyx ocellata). VKM Bulletin. 2026(04), p. 1–6. doi: https:/vkm.no/english/riskassessments/allpublications/ndfforexportofliveoccelatedspinytailsuromastyxocellata.4.52ec987319c88eb5fde7a29c.html. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  VKM concludes that the export from Norway to Germany of 45 live ocellated spinytails (Uromastyx ocellata) bred in captivity will not have a harmful effect on the conservation status of the species. The individuals in question, and their parents, were bred in captivity and have had no contact with wild conspecifics. Therefore, the export is not likely to have any harmful effects on the conservation status of the species in the wild.

• Hermansen, Jo Skeie; Eldegard, Katrine; Grainger, Matthew; Kopatz, Alexander; Mauvisseau, Quentin & Rueness, Eli Knispel [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2025). Non-detriment finding for cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus). VKM Bulletin. 2025(26), p. 1–7. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  VKM concludes that the export of one live male cheetah bred in captivity will not have a harmful effect on the conservation status of the species.

• Hermansen, Jo Skeie; Eldegard, Katrine; Grainger, Matthew; Kopatz, Alexander; Mauvisseau, Quentin & Rueness, Eli Knispel [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2025). Non-detriment finding for cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus). VKM Bulletin. 2025(25), p. 1–7. doi: https:/vkm.no/english/riskassessments/allpublications/ndfforimportoftwolivecheetahsacinonyxjubatusbredincaptivity.4.58ee4108199ffd2732b508e9.html. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  VKM concludes that the import of two live male cheetahs bred in captivity will not have a harmful effect on the conservation status of the species.

• Rueness, Eli Knispel; Eldegard, Katrine; Grainger, Matthew; Hermansen, Jo Skeie; Kopatz, Alexander & Star, Bastiaan [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2025). Non-detriment finding for grey wolf (Canis lupus). VKM Bulletin. 2025(24), p. 1–7. doi: https:/vkm.no/english/riskassessments/allpublications/ndfforexportofgreywolfcanislupusbredincaptivity.4.58ee4108199ffd2732b4f690.html. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  VKM concludes that the export of one live male grey wolf bred in captivity will not have a harmful effect on the conservation status of the species or the local population in Norway and Sweden.

• Rueness, Eli Knispel; Eldegard, Katrine; Grainger, Matthew; Hermansen, Jo Skeie; Star, Bastiaan & Boer, Hugo de (2025). Non-detriment finding for African elephant (Loxodonta africana). VKM Bulletin. 2025(22), p. 1–6. doi: https:/vkm.no/english/riskassessments/allpublications/ndfforimportofhuntingtrophiesfromafricanelephantloxodontaafricana.4.58ee4108199ffd2732b4eec1.html. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  VKM concludes that the import to Norway from Mozambique of hunting trophies (two tusks) from one Loxodonta africana individual taken from the wild could have a harmful effect on the conservation status of the species.

• Rueness, Eli Knispel; Eldegard, Katrine; Grainger, Matthew; Hermansen, Jo Skeie; Star, Bastiaan & Boer, Hugo de (2025). Non-detriment finding for leopard (Panthera pardus). VKM Bulletin. 2025(23), p. 1–6. doi: https:/vkm.no/english/riskassessments/allpublications/ndfforimportofhuntingtrophiesfromleopardpantherapardus.4.58ee4108199ffd2732b4f436.html. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  VKM concludes that the import of one Panthera pardus hunting trophy (skin and skull) from Mozambique to Norway will not have a harmful effect on the conservation status of the species.

• Boer, Hugo de; Blaalid, Rakel; Eldegard, Katrine; Gehrke, Berit; Hermansen, Jo Skeie & Mauvisseau, Quentin [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2025). Assessment of listing proposals submitted for CITES CoP20. VKM Bulletin. 2025(21), p. 1–171. doi: https:/vkm.no/english/riskassessments/allpublications/citescop20vkmreviewsproposedchangestointernationalspecieslistsaheadofglobalsummit.4.4600acee199c8dc392ba2b.html. Full text in Research Archive
• Grainger, Matthew; Eldegard, Katrine; Hjermann, Tilde; Kopatz, Alexander; Rueness, Eli Knispel & Boer, Hugo de (2025). Non-detriment finding for Bali myna (Leucopsar rothschildi). VKM Bulletin. p. 1–5. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Innførsel av en levende balistær (Leucopsar rothschildi) avlet i fangenskap fra en dyrehage i Danmark til en dyrehage i Norge vil ikke være til skade for artens bevaringsstatus. Vurderingen ble gjort på oppdrag fra Miljødirektoratet, som er forvaltningsmyndighet for Konvensjonen om internasjonal handel med truede arter av vill flora og fauna, CITES, i Norge. VKM er vitenskapelig myndighet for CITES i Norge, og utarbeider vitenskapelige vurderinger (såkalte ‘non-detriment findings’) i tråd med metodikk publisert av Verdens naturvernunion (IUCN) og CITES.

• Boer, Hugo de; Grainger, Matthew; Hjermann, Tilde; Kopatz, Alexander & Rueness, Eli Knispel (2025). Non-detriment finding for sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus). VKM Bulletin. VKM Bulletin(VKM Bulletin 2025: 06), p. 1–5. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Export of 10 pre-Convention sperm whale teeth (Physeter macrocephalus) from Norway to Fiji and 10 to USA will not be detrimental to the survival of the species. Export of 10 pre-Convention sperm whale teeth (Physeter macrocephalus) from Norway to Fiji and 10 to USA will not be detrimental to the survival of the species. Thus concludes the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment (VKM). The assessment was commissioned by the Norwegian Environment Agency, which is the management authority for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in Norway. VKM is the scientific authority for CITES in Norway and prepares non-detriment finding (NDF) reports in accordance with the methodology published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and CITES.

• Kopatz, Alexander; Hjermann, Tilde; Rueness, Eli Knispel & Boer, Hugo de (2025). Non-detriment finding for scimitarhorned oryx (Oryx dammah). VKM Bulletin. VKM Bulletin(VKM Bulletin 2025: 08), p. 1–6. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Import of one hunting trophy of scimitar-horned oryx (Oryx dammah) from South Africa to Norway will not be detrimental to the survival of the species. Thus concludes the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment (VKM). The assessment was commissioned by the Norwegian Environment Agency, which is the management authority for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in Norway. VKM is the scientific authority for CITES in Norway and prepares non-detriment finding (NDF) reports in accordance with the methodology published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and CITES.

• Kopatz, Alexander; Hjermann, Tilde; Rueness, Eli Knispel & Boer, Hugo de (2025). Non-detriment finding for Lau banded iguana (Brachylophus fasciatus). VKM Bulletin. VKM Bulletin(VKM Bulletin 2025: 07), p. 1–5. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Import of one live Lau banded iguana (Brachylophus fasciatus) from a zoo in Denmark to a zoo in Norway will not be detrimental to the survival of the species. Thus concludes the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment (VKM). The assessment was commissioned by the Norwegian Environment Agency, which is the management authority for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in Norway. VKM is the scientific authority for CITES in Norway and prepares non-detriment finding (NDF) reports in accordance with the methodology published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and CITES.

• Rueness, Eli Knispel; Eldegard, Katrine; Gehrke, Berit; Hjermann, Tilde; Kopatz, Alexander & Boer, Hugo de (2024). Non-detriment finding for Sumatran orangutan. VKM Bulletin. VKM Bulletin 2024: 28(VKM Bulletin 2024: 28), p. 1–4. Full text in Research Archive
• Rueness, Eli Knispel; Eldegard, Katrine; Grainger, Matthew; Hermansen, Jo Skeie & Boer, Hugo de (2024). Non-detriment finding for golden lion tamarin. VKM Bulletin. VKM Bulletin 2024(VKM Bulletin 2024: 24), p. 1–4. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Utførsel av én levende løvetamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia) avlet i fangenskap fra dyrehage i Norge til dyrehage i Irland vil ikke være til skade for artens bevaringsstatus. Det konkluderer Vitenskapskomiteen for mat og miljø (VKM). Oppdraget ble gjort på vegne av Miljødirektoratet, som er forvaltningsmyndighet for Konvensjonen om internasjonal handel med truede arter av vill flora og fauna, CITES, i Norge. VKM er vitenskapelig myndighet for CITES i Norge, og utarbeider i NDF-rapporter i tråd med metodikk publisert av verdens naturvernunion (IUCN) og CITES.

• Hermansen, Jo Skeie; Eldegard, Katrine; Grainger, Matthew; Rueness, Eli Knispel & Boer, Hugo de (2024). Non-detriment finding for soft-shelled tortoise (Malacochersus tornieri). VKM Bulletin. VKM Bulletin 2024: 23(23), p. 1–5. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Innførsel av én levende pannekakeskilpadde (Malacochersus tornieri) født eller avlet i fangenskap fra dyrehage i Finland til dyrehage i Norge vil ikke være til skade for artens bevaringsstatus. Det konkluderer Vitenskapskomiteen for mat og miljø (VKM). Oppdraget ble gjort på vegne av Miljødirektoratet, som er forvaltningsmyndighet for Konvensjonen om internasjonal handel med truede arter av vill flora og fauna, CITES, i Norge. VKM er vitenskapelig myndighet for CITES i Norge, og utarbeider i NDF-rapporter i tråd med metodikk publisert av verdens naturvernunion (IUCN) og CITES.

• Hjermann, Tilde; Grainger, Matthew; Hermansen, Jo Skeie; Rueness, Eli Knispel & Boer, Hugo de (2024). Non-detriment finding for Guianan squirrel monkey. VKM Bulletin. VKM Bulletin 2024: 25(VKM Bulletin 2024: 25), p. 1–6. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  (Re-)utførsel av to levende ekornaper (Saimiri sciureus) avlet i fangenskap fra dyrehage i Norge til dyrehage i Israel vil ikke være til skade for artens bevaringsstatus. Det konkluderer Vitenskapskomiteen for mat og miljø (VKM). Vurderingen ble gjort på oppdrag fra Miljødirektoratet, som er forvaltningsmyndighet for Konvensjonen om internasjonal handel med truede arter av vill flora og fauna, CITES, i Norge. VKM er vitenskapelig myndighet for CITES i Norge, og utarbeider vitenskapelige vurderinger (såkalte ‘non-detriment findings’) i tråd med metodikk publisert av Verdens naturvernunion (IUCN) og CITES.

• Rueness, Eli Knispel; Eldegard, Katrine; Hjermann, Tilde; Kopatz, Alexander & Boer, Hugo de (2024). Non-detriment finding for ringtailed lemur. VKM Bulletin. VKM Bulletin 2024: 29(VKM Bulletin 2024: 29), p. 1–4. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Utførsel av fire levende ringhalelemurer (Lemur catta) avlet i fangenskap fra en dyrehage i Norge til en dyrehage i Danmark vil ikke være til skade for artens bevaringsstatus. Det konkluderer Vitenskapskomiteen for mat og miljø (VKM). Vurderingen ble gjort på oppdrag fra Miljødirektoratet, som er forvaltningsmyndighet for Konvensjonen om internasjonal handel med truede arter av vill flora og fauna, CITES, i Norge. VKM er vitenskapelig myndighet for CITES i Norge, og utarbeider vitenskapelige vurderinger (såkalte ‘non-detriment findings’) i tråd med metodikk publisert av Verdens naturvernunion (IUCN) og CITES. Del denne side

• Kopatz, Alexander; Eldegard, Katrine; Grainger, Matthew; Hermansen, Jo Skeie; Rueness, Eli Knispel & Boer, Hugo de (2024). Non-detriment finding for Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica). VKM Bulletin. 2024:03, p. 1–7. Full text in Research Archive
• Rueness, Eli Knispel; Eldegard, Katrine; Hermansen, Jo Skeie; Kopatz, Alexander & Boer, Hugo de (2024). Non-detriment finding for European otter (Lutra lutra). VKM Bulletin. 2024:02, p. 1–6. Full text in Research Archive
• Eldegard, Katrine; Boer, Hugo de; Rueness, Eli Knispel & Hermansen, Jo Skeie (2024). Non-detriment finding for white-tailed sea-eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla). VKM Bulletin. 2024: 16(2024: 16), p. 1–12. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The export of up to 30 wild caught white-tailed sea-eagle nestlings (Haliaeetus albicilla) from Norway to Ireland for reintroduction purposes in 2024 will not be detrimental to the survival of this species. Thus concludes the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment (VKM). The assignment was carried out on behalf of the Norwegian Environment Agency, which is the management authority for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in Norway. VKM is the scientific authority for CITES in Norway and prepares NDF (non-detriment finding) reports in accordance with the methodology published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and CITES.

• Eldegard, Katrine; Gehrke, Berit; Hermansen, Jo Skeie; Rueness, Eli Knispel & Boer, Hugo de (2024). Non-detriment finding for osprey (Pandion haliaetus). VKM Bulletin. 2024: 17(2024: 17), p. 1–8. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The export of a maximum of 16 osprey nestlings (Pandion haliaetus) from Norway to Ireland for reintroduction purposes will not be detrimental to the survival of this species. Thus concludes the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment (VKM). The assignment was carried out on behalf of the Norwegian Environment Agency, which is the management authority for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in Norway. VKM is the scientific authority for CITES in Norway and prepares NDF (non-detriment finding) reports in accordance with the methodology published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and CITES.

• Grainger, Matthew; Eldegard, Katrine; Kopatz, Alexander; Rueness, Eli Knispel; Hermansen, Jo Skeie & Boer, Hugo de (2024). Non-detriment finding for tawny owl. VKM Bulletin. VKM Bulletin(VKM Bulletin 2024: 13), p. 1–5. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The export from Norway to the UK of feathers from one tawny owl (Strix aluco) for personal purposes will not be detrimental to the survival of the species. Thus concludes the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment (VKM). The assignment was carried out on behalf of the Norwegian Environment Agency, which is the management authority for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in Norway. VKM is the scientific authority for CITES in Norway and prepares NDF (non-detriment finding) reports in accordance with the methodology published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and CITES.

• Grainger, Matthew; Eldegard, Katrine; Hermansen, Jo Skeie; Kopatz, Alexander; Rueness, Eli Knispel & Boer, Hugo de (2024). Non-detriment finding for Amur leopard. VKM Bulletin. 2024: 14(2024: 14), p. 1–6. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Export on one individual Amur tiger The export from Norway to Türkiye of one individual Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) that was bred in captivity will not be detrimental to the survival of the species in the wild. Thus concludes the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment (VKM). The assignment was carried out on behalf of the Norwegian Environment Agency, which is the management authority for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in Norway. VKM is the scientific authority for CITES in Norway and prepares NDF (non-detriment finding) reports in accordance with the methodology published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and CITES.

• Rueness, Eli Knispel; Kopatz, Alexander; Eldegard, Katrine; Gehrke, Berit; Hermansen, Jo Skeie & Grainger, Matthew [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2024). Non-detriment finding for Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx). VKM Bulletin. 2024: 12(2024: 12), p. 1–5. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Non-detriment finding for Eurasian lynx The export from Norway to Belgium of one skin of an adult male lynx (Lynx lynx) shot during the course of management removal and damage reduction will not be detrimental to the survival of the species. Thus concludes the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment (VKM). The assignment was carried out on behalf of the Norwegian Environment Agency, which is the management authority for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in Norway. VKM is the scientific authority for CITES in Norway and prepares NDF (non-detriment finding) reports in accordance with the methodology published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and CITES.

• Eldegard, Katrine; Grainger, Matthew; Hermansen, Jo Skeie; Kopatz, Alexander; Raeymaekers, Joost Andre M & Rueness, Eli Knispel [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2024). Non-detriment finding for common buzzard (Buteo buteo). VKM Bulletin. 2024: 15(2024: 15), p. 1–5. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Non-detriment finding for common buzzard The export from Norway to Sweden of one taxidermied common buzzard (Buteo buteo) for personal purposes will not be detrimental to the survival of the species. Thus concludes the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment (VKM). The assignment was carried out on behalf of the Norwegian Environment Agency, which is the management authority for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in Norway. VKM is the scientific authority for CITES in Norway and prepares NDF (non-detriment finding) reports in accordance with the methodology published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and CITES.

• Rueness, Eli Knispel; Grainger, Matthew; Hermansen, Jo Skeie; Kopatz, Alexander & Boer, Hugo de (2024). Non-detriment finding for saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus). VKM Bulletin. 2024: 19(VKM Bulletin 2024: 19), p. 1–4. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The import to Norway from Denmark of one captive-bred live saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) for the purpose of zoological exhibition will not be detrimental to the survival of the species. Thus concludes the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment (VKM). The assignment was carried out on behalf of the Norwegian Environment Agency, which is the management authority for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in Norway. VKM is the scientific authority for CITES in Norway and prepares NDF (non-detriment finding) reports in accordance with the methodology published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and CITES.

• Grainger, Matthew; Kopatz, Alexander; Rueness, Eli Knispel; Hermansen, Jo Skeie & Boer, Hugo de (2024). Non-detriment finding for Palawan peacock-pheasant (Polyplectron napoleonis). VKM Bulletin. VKM Bulletin 2024: 20(2024: 20), p. 1–4. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Re-export from Norway to Switzerland of one individual Palawan peacock-pheasant that was bred in captivity will not be detrimental to the survival of the species in the wild. The conclusion is based on the following factors: • The individual was bred in captivity at the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and the re-export does not involve harvest or removal from the wild.

• Rueness, Eli Knispel; Gehrke, Berit; Grainger, Matthew; Kopatz, Alexander; Hermansen, Jo Skeie & Boer, Hugo de (2024). Non-detriment finding for Cuban crocodiles (Crocodylus rhombifer). VKM Bulletin. 2024: 18(2024: 18), p. 1–4. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The import to Norway from Denmark of four live Cuban crocodiles (Crocodylus rhombifer) born in captivity for the purpose of zoological exhibition will not be detrimental to the survival of the species. Thus concludes the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment (VKM). The assignment was carried out on behalf of the Norwegian Environment Agency, which is the management authority for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in Norway. VKM is the scientific authority for CITES in Norway and prepares NDF (non-detriment finding) reports in accordance with the methodology published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and CITES.

• Kopatz, Alexander; Rueness, Eli Knispel; Boer, Hugo de; Eldegard, Katrine; Grainger, Matthew & Hermansen, Jo Skeie (2023). Non-detriment finding for Ursus arctos isabellinus. VKM Bulletin. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Very little information exists on Ursus arctos isabellinus and no science-based estimates of population size and trend are available. Data on brown bears in Tajikistan and/or the specific region are lacking, and the sustainability of harvest is therefore not possible to assess, especially as illegal hunting is known to occur in the region. Based on the CITES export permit and the additional information provided by the Norwegian Environment Agency, the individual originates from the Sangvor District in central Tajikistan. An expert from the IUCN Bear Specialist Group reports that this area might have a thriving bear population, but no data has yet been published. It should also be noted that the exact location of the harvested individual bear is not provided. Published scientific assessments highlight population declines and fragmentation, and other countries in the distribution zone of Ursus arctos isabellinus (Pakistan and India) consider it endangered. Further, the EU has currently a negative decision on import of Ursus arctos isabellinus hunting trophies from Tajikistan. In summary, VKM is unable to determine whether the removal of this individual may be detrimental to the survival of the subspecies in the wild.

• Rueness, Eli Knispel; Asmyhr, Maria Gulbrandsen; Dennison, Siobhan; Endrestøl, Anders; Gjershaug, Jan Ove & Måren, Inger Elisabeth (2020). Assessment of trade in endangered species under the Norwegian CITES Regulation. Scientific opinion of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment. VKM Report. 2020:02, p. 1–181. Full text in Research Archive
• Rueness, Eli Knispel (2016). Når ble hunden menneskets beste venn? [Internet]. forskning.no. Full text in Research Archive
• Rueness, Eli Knispel; Trosvik, Pål; Atickem, Anagaw Meshesha; Sillero-Zubiri, Claudio & Trucchi, Emiliano (2015). The African wolf is a missing link in the wolf-like canid phylogeny. BioRxiv. ISSN 0362-4331. doi: 10.1101/017996. Full text in Research Archive
• Mekonnen, Addisu; Fashing, Peter J.; Bekele, Afework; Rueness, Eli Knispel; Hernandez-Aguilar, Raquel Adriana & Stenseth, Nils Christian (2014). Effect of habitat fragmentation on the diet of Bale monkeys (Chlorocebus djamdjamensis) in the southern Ethiopian Highlands. Full text in Research Archive
• Eldegard, Katrine; Flø, Daniel; Kirkendall, Lawrence R.; Malmstrøm, Martin; Nielsen, Anders & Rasmussen, Claus [Show all 13 contributors for this article] (2022). Assessment of the risks to honey bees and biodiversity in Norway posed by the predatory wasp species Vespa velutina and V. mandarina. VKM. ISSN 9788282593861. Full text in Research Archive
• Kausrud, Kyrre; Vandvik, Vigdis; Flø, Daniel; Geange, Sonya Rita; Hegland, Stein Joar & Hermansen, Jo Skeie [Show all 26 contributors for this article] (2022). Klimaendringer og virkninger på hovedøkosystem skog. VKM. ISSN 9788282593908. Full text in Research Archive
• Nielsen, Anders; Dolmen, Dag; Höglund, Jacob; Kausrud, Kyrre; Malmstrøm, Martin & Taugbøl, Annette [Show all 14 contributors for this article] (2019). Assessment of the risk to Norwegian biodiversity from the pathogenic fungi Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal). Opinion of the Panel on Alien Organisms and Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment. Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment (VKM). ISSN 9788282593205. Full text in Research Archive
• Rueness, Eli Knispel; Berg, Paul Ragnar; Gulla, Snorre; Halvorsen, Kim Aleksander Tallaksen; Järnegren, Johanna & Malmstrøm, Martin [Show all 19 contributors for this article] (2019). Assessment of the risk to Norwegian biodiversity from import of wrasses and other cleaner fish for use in aquaculture. Opinion of the Panel on Alien Organisms and Trade in Endangered Species of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment. Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment (VKM). ISSN 9788282593304. Full text in Research Archive
• Rueness, Eli Knispel; Asmyhr, Maria Gulbrandsen; Boer, Hugo de; Eldegard, Katrine; Endrestøl, Anders & Junge, Claudia [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2019). Assessment of species listing proposals for CITES CoP18. Scientific opinion of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment. Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment (VKM). ISSN 9788282593274. Full text in Research Archive
• Rueness, Eli Knispel; Asmyhr, Maria Gulbrandsen; Kausrud, Kyrre; Nilsen, Erlend Birkeland; Øien, Nils Inge & Boer, Hugo de [Show all 15 contributors for this article] (2019). A CITES risk assessment for the common minke whale (Balaneoptera acutorostrata). Scientific opinion of the Panel on Alien Organisms and Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment. Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment (VKM). ISSN 9788282593267. Full text in Research Archive
• Skjerve, Eystein; Thurfjell, Henrik; Flø, Daniel; Grahek-Ogden, Danica; Malmstrøm, Martin & Nesbakken, Truls [Show all 17 contributors for this article] (2018). Wild boar population growth and expansion – implications for biodiversity, food safety, and animal health in Norway. Opinion of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment. Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment (VKM). ISSN 9788282593113. Full text in Research Archive
• Nielsen, Anders; Fossen, Torgils; Gjershaug, Jan Ove; Velle, Gaute; Ødegaard, Frode & Wendell, Micael [Show all 15 contributors for this article] (2017). Assessment of the potential connection between Tilia trees and bumblebee Death. Opinion of the Panel on Alien organisms and trade in endangered species (CITES) of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety. Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (VKM). ISSN 9788282592727. Full text in Research Archive
• Nielsen, Anders; Hatteland, Bjørn Arild; Malmstrøm, Martin; Proschwitz, Ted von; Velle, Gaute & Boer, Hugo de [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2017). Assessment of the risk to Norwegian biodiversity from the import and keeping of terrestrial gastropods in terraria. Opinion of the Panel on Alien Organisms and Trade in Endangered Species of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment. Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment (VKM). ISSN 9788282592901. Full text in Research Archive
• Rueness, Eli Knispel; Cadahia-Lorenzo, Luis; Hoel, Kristian; Søderquist, Pär; Velle, Gaute & Asmyhr, Maria Gulbrandsen [Show all 16 contributors for this article] (2017). Assessment of the risks associated with the import and release of hand-reared mallards for hunting purposes. Opinion of the Panel on Alien Organisms and Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety. Norwegian Scientifc Committee for Food Safety (VKM). ISSN 9788282592802. Full text in Research Archive
• Rueness, Eli Knispel; Asmyhr, Maria Gulbrandsen; Endrestøl, Anders; Gjershaug, Jan Ove; Måren, Inger Elisabeth & Boer, Hugo de [Show all 15 contributors for this article] (2016). Assessment of species listing proposals for CITES CoP17. Opinion of the Panel on Alien Organisms and Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety. Nofima. ISSN 9788282592284. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  International wildlife trade is estimated to be worth billions of dollars annually and to include hundreds of millions of plant and animal specimens. The commerce is diverse, ranging from live animals and plants, to parts of organisms and derivatives thereof utilized for food, clothing, medicine, building materials, decorative items etc. International trade in endangered species is regulated through the CITES Convention (The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). The aim of the Convention is to prevent trade across borders leading to over-exploitation of species. Currently more than 35,000 species are protected at various levels by CITES (Appendices I, II, III). Currently 182 countries (Parties) have joined and are thereby bound by the Convention. The parties have to adopt their own domestic legislation to ensure that CITES is implemented at the national level. They are obligated to designate one or more Management Authorities to administrate a licensing system for imports and exports, and one or more Scientific Authorities to advise them on possible impacts of trade on species survival. The supreme decision making body of CITES is the Conference of the Parties (CoP), where all the Parties are represented. The Parties have agreed upon a resolution with a set of criteria for listing of species in the CITES Appendices, the Resolution Conf. 9.24. All amendments to Appendix I and II (i.e. transfer of already listed species between Appendix I and II, inclusion of new species, or removal of species listed in Appendix II) have to be done in accordance to the latest revision of the Resolution: Res. Conf. 9.24 (Rev. CoP16). All Parties are eligible to propose amendments to the Appendices in advance of the CoP. The Norwegian Environment Agency has assigned VKM to review a list of proposals for amendments to Appendix I and II submitted ahead of the seventeenth meeting of the CoP (CoP17) that will be held in the autumn of 2016. The list of proposals includes six different organismal groups: mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, terrestrial invertebrates and plants. VKM has put forward a project group comprising participants from the panel on Alien organisms and trade in endangered species (CITES), VKM’s secretariat as well as external experts. The project group has reviewed the information given in each proposal and searched for additional data in order to assess the impact of legal and illegal trade. VKM has summarized the material on each species in fact-sheets. The fact sheets will constitute the scientific basis for a national public hearing of the listing proposals prior to the CoP17. If accepted, the amendments will be effectuated three months after the meeting.

• Nielsen, Anders; Finne, Merethe Aasmo; Asmyhr, Maria Gulbrandsen; Gjershaug, Jan Ove; Kirkendall, Lawrence R. & Vandvik, Vigdis [Show all 14 contributors for this article] (2016). 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. Nofima. ISSN 9788282592260. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  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.

• Boer, Hugo de; Asmyhr, Maria Gulbrandsen; Grundt, Hanne Hegre; Sjøtun, Kjersti; Stenøien, Hans K. & Gjershaug, Jan Ove [Show all 13 contributors for this article] (2016). Assessment of the risks to Norwegian biodiversity from the import and keeping of aquarium and garden pond plants. Opinion of the Panel on Alien Organisms and Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety. Norwegian Committee for Food Safety (VKM). ISSN 9788282592406. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The Norwegian Environment Agency (NEA) asked the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (VKM) to assess the risks of negative impacts on biodiversity in Norway from the import and keeping of various species of freshwater plants for aquaria and garden ponds.

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