Two Belgian teenagers have pleaded guilty to wildlife piracy after being caught with more than 5,000 smuggled ants in western Kenya. The case has highlighted a growing global trade in less conspicuous species for the exotic pet market.
Lornoy David and Seppe Lodewijckx, both 19, were arrested in early April at a guesthouse with the insects stored in test tubes and syringes. The ants, including the Messor cephalotes harvester species, were destined for markets in Europe and Asia, where they can sell for up to £99 per colony.
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) described the seizure as part of a shift from trafficking large mammals to ecologically critical but smaller species. The teens remain in custody pending a sentencing report due on 23 April.
Experts warn that the ant trade poses biodiversity risks, as removed species can become invasive outside their native ranges. Harvester ants play a key role in seed dispersal and serve as food for animals like aardvarks and pangolins.
