Kenya intercepts exotic-ant traffickers
(MENAFN) Kenyan authorities have intercepted a significant wildlife trafficking operation involving the attempted smuggling of around 5,000 live queen ants, including the rare Messor Cephalotes species, also known as the Giant African Harvester Ant. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) reported on Tuesday that the ants were intended for exotic pet markets in Europe and Asia, with some individual ants valued at up to £170 ($220) each in the UK.
Investigations revealed that the smugglers had designed special test tubes to keep the ants alive for up to two months and evade airport security. KWS described the operation as "premeditated" and well-planned.
On Monday, four individuals – two Belgians, a Vietnamese, and a Kenyan – were arrested and have pleaded guilty to charges of illegal possession and trafficking of live wildlife. They are currently in custody and are set to be sentenced on April 23.
In a statement, KWS highlighted that this case signals a shift in trafficking patterns, noting that it focused on lesser-known species that are ecologically important, rather than the iconic large mammals typically targeted in the past.
Messor Cephalotes ants are known for their significant ecological role, including seed dispersal and soil enrichment. Their colonies can grow to 5,000 workers, and the queen ants range from 22 to 25mm in size. The appeal of these ants as exotic pets lies in their large, striking appearance, according to Pat Stanchev, general manager of the insect-trading website Best Ants UK.
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