/
RSS Feed
Four individuals—two Belgians, a Vietnamese national, and a Kenyan—have pleaded guilty in Kenya to attempting to smuggle thousands of live queen ants, marking a significant case in wildlife trafficking enforcement. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) described the incident as a “landmark case,” highlighting a shift in trafficking patterns from larger mammals to lesser-known yet ecologically vital species.
The suspects were apprehended at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport with approximately 5,000 queen ants, specifically the giant African harvester ants (Messor cephalotes), concealed in over 2,000 modified test tubes and syringes designed to sustain the insects for up to two months and evade airport security detection.
These ants are highly sought after in exotic pet markets across Europe and Asia, with individual queens valued at up to £170 ($220). Collectors often keep them in specialized habitats known as formicariums to observe their complex colony-building behaviors.
The court has adjourned the case until April 23 to consider pre-sentencing reports from the KWS, the National Museums of Kenya, and the probation officer. The KWS emphasized that this prosecution sends a strong message about Kenya’s commitment to enforcing compliance and combating unconventional wildlife crimes.
This case underscores the growing demand for rare insect species and the importance of protecting all facets of biodiversity, not just the more prominent wildlife.
