Surge in African Ant Smuggling Raises Environmental and Health Concerns

Nairobi, Kenya:Authorities in Kenya have reported a troubling rise in the smuggling of African ants, highlighting a lucrative but illegal trade that poses significant threats to both wildlife and human health.

According to a recent report by Deutsche Welle (DW), four individuals — two Belgians, one Vietnamese, and one Kenyan — were recently convicted in two separate ant smuggling cases. The courts handed down fines totaling \$7,700 or alternative sentences of up to one year in prison.

The Belgian nationals admitted to possessing the ants but claimed they were collecting them as a hobby. However, the Kenyan court rejected their defense. Authorities confiscated over 5,000 live ants from the Belgians, stored in nearly 2,000 small plastic tubes filled with cotton. The Vietnamese and Kenyan suspects were found with around 300 ants kept in approximately 140 tubes.

Some of the ants recovered included the *Giant African Harvester Ant*, which can fetch between \$100 and \$220 per ant on the black market. Successful smuggling could have earned the perpetrators thousands of dollars.

Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) emphasized that the court’s decision reflects the country’s zero-tolerance policy toward wildlife trafficking. The illegal collection and export of ants fall under *biopiracy*, violating the Nagoya Protocol — an international agreement that ensures fair and equitable sharing of benefits from the use of genetic resources.

Biopiracy is becoming a growing concern in Kenya, with increasing instances of unethical or unlawful extraction of valuable biological materials, including medicinal plants and insects. KWS also noted that wildlife trafficking now includes not only large animals but also lesser-known yet ecologically critical species.

The United Nations identifies wildlife crime as the fourth largest transnational criminal activity, after drug trafficking, counterfeit goods, and human trafficking.

Though insect smuggling is less visible than other forms of wildlife trade, the global demand for exotic pets — including ants and spiders — remains strong. The *Giant African Harvester Ant* can grow up to 20 mm, while the *Queen Ant* can reach 25 mm in length.

Experts warn that illegal wildlife trade, including insect trafficking, can disrupt ecosystems and endanger public health. The unsanitary transport and increased human-animal contact raise the risk of spreading zoonotic diseases such as salmonella, coronavirus, monkeypox, and avian flu.

According to Germany’s Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union, nearly 75% of new infectious diseases in humans originate from animals. Research also suggests that between 540,000 and 850,000 unknown viruses in mammals and birds have the potential to infect humans.

The growing ant smuggling trade is a stark reminder of the urgent need for stronger enforcement, international cooperation, and public awareness to protect biodiversity and global health.