Four men have pleaded guilty in Kenya for attempting to smuggle hundreds of highly sought-after ants out of the country, in what is being described as a “landmark case” by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). Known for its work protecting larger species like lions and elephants, the KWS called this case a disturbing sign of shifting trafficking patterns, with a growing focus on lesser-known species vital to ecological balance.
Among the contraband were giant African harvester ants, valued by some UK dealers at up to £170 ($220) each. These ants were concealed in specially modified test tubes and syringes, designed to keep the insects alive for up to two months. The perpetrators attempted to bypass security by obscuring the contents of the containers.
Photographs of the illegal haul, shared by the KWS, show hundreds of test tubes filled with cotton wool, each containing two or three ants. The insects were intended for exotic pet markets in Europe and Asia, where collectors keep ants in formicariums—special habitats where they build colonies.
This case marks Kenya’s first significant instance of “bio-piracy” on such a large scale, according to KWS spokesperson Paul Udoto. The four suspects—two Belgians, a Vietnamese, and a Kenyan—were arrested following a coordinated, intelligence-led operation.
The giant African harvester ant, or Messor cephalotes, is the largest species in its family, with queens growing up to 25mm. Despite not selling the ants himself, Pat Stanchev, general manager of Best Ants UK, explained their appeal: “Their big and beautiful size” makes them attractive to collectors.
In Kenya, these ants are protected by international biodiversity treaties, and their trade is highly regulated. The KWS emphasized that this prosecution serves as a clear message that Kenya will enforce compliance, marking a significant step in the country’s fight against unconventional wildlife crimes.
