Gang who smuggled thousands of queen ants sentenced in Kenya
Summary
Four men were sentenced in Kenya to one year in prison or a fine for trying to smuggle thousands of queen ants. These ants were being smuggled to collectors in Europe and Asia, and the court emphasized the importance of protecting all wildlife. The incident highlights the increasing demand for rare insect species.Key Facts
- A Kenyan court sentenced four men for smuggling thousands of queen ants.
- The men included two Belgians, a Vietnamese, and a Kenyan.
- They were found with thousands of ants intended for collectors abroad.
- The Belgians claimed they collected the ants as a hobby, not knowing it was illegal.
- The ants were packed in over 2,000 test tubes filled with cotton for survival.
- The court viewed the action as illegal wildlife trade and potential bio-piracy.
- The Kenyan Wildlife Service emphasized the ecological role of the ants and praised the ruling.
- The defendants have 14 days to appeal the court's decision.
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