One ant for $220: the new frontier of wildlife trafficking
Summary
There is a growing illegal trade in giant African harvester ants from Kenya's Rift Valley. Collectors are targeting queen ants because they can start entire new colonies and are sold for high prices on the black market.Key Facts
- Queen harvester ants from Kenya are sold illegally for up to $220 each.
- The illegal trade is centered in Gilgil, a town in Kenya's Rift Valley.
- These ants are popular among international collectors who keep them as pets.
- Smugglers use tubes or syringes with cotton wool to keep the ants alive for transport.
- Last year, authorities found 5,000 ant queens planned for illegal export to Europe and Asia.
- The trade surprised scientists and authorities, as Kenya is more known for wildlife crimes involving larger animals.
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