Four people pleaded guilty in Kenya, trying to smuggle hundreds of highly sought-after ants outside the country.
Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) is more accustomed to protecting large creatures such as lions and elephants, describing them as “a landmark case.”
Contraband includes giant African harvester ants, some of which are worth up to £170 ($220).
The case shows that “the shift in trafficking patterns is disturbing – from iconic mammals to lesser-known species, it is crucial to ecological balance”, KWS said.
The suspects hid the creatures in “specially modified test tubes and syringes” which would allow the insects to survive for two months, KWS said.
It also “bypasses the safety system” by covering up the contents of the tube.
Photos of illegal traction shared by KWS show hundreds of containers containing lint, each with two or three ants.
KWS says [KWS]
The exact number of insects involved is still being evaluated, but KWS spokesman Paul Udoto told the BBC that this is the country’s first “biological piracy” case on this scale.
Four suspects – two Belgians, one Vietnamese and one Kenyans – were arrested after what KWS calls “coordinated, intelligence-led operations.”
The expected destination is believed to be the exotic pet markets in Europe and Asia.
KWS said demand for rare insect species is growing. Collectors leave them in special habitats, called the Krabika Islands, and watch them establish colonies.
Huge African Harvester Ants – or Messor Cephalotes – is its largest species, which can grow to about 20mm and the queen is up to 25mm.
Pat Stanchev, general manager of the insect trading website Best Ant UK, said it was their “big and beautiful size” that made them attractive to those who wanted to keep them as pets.
He doesn’t sell giant African harvester ants, but he told the BBC he knows the people trying to pass on illegally imported insects.
In Kenya, ants are protected by international biodiversity treaties and their trade is highly regulated.
“This lawsuit conveys a strong message that Kenya will enforce compliance … and marks an important step in Kenya’s fight against unconventional wildlife crimes,” KWS said.
The four are scheduled to be sentenced Tuesday.
You may also be right:
go bbcafrica.com More news about the African continent.
Follow us on Twitter @bbcafrica,on Facebook BBC Africa Or on Instagram bbcafraca
BBC Africa Podcast
