Four individuals, a Kenyan, a Vietnamese national and 2 Belgians, have a case to answer after they were caught smuggling ants(Messor Cephalotes popularly known as harvester ants) worth Kshs1 million.
The suspects had hidden 5,000 queen ants in modified test tubes and syringes, to evade detection at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
The test tubes had been designed in manner that the ants could survive for two months inside them.
“This case not only marks a serious wildlife crime but also constitutes biopiracy, as it involves the unlawful access and attempted export of Kenya’s genetic resources without prior informed consent or benefit-sharing, in direct violation of national law and the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-Sharing,” the Kenya Wildlife Service stated.
The pricey insects were destined for Asia and European high-value exotic pet markets where the demand for the rare insects is high.
The suspect were caught on April 5, and their case is going on at the JKIA Law Courts. On Monday April 14, they pleaded guilty after being arraigned in court.
Why would anyone want to collect the Messor cephalotes ants?
Messor Cephalotes are the largest harvester ants in the world with the queen growing to a size of between 22-25 mm. They are usually monogamous meaning they only have one queen in a colony with workers up to 5,000. They are found in Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia. According to websites focusing on ants, the queen ants of this species go for about Kshs6,000-26,000. The common ones go for about Kshs200- 100 while the larger and rarer species cost range from Kshs1,500-5,000.
Collectors sought these ants because of their unique behaviour and characteristics, colony building capabilities and pest control(through their diet) and seed spreading in greenhouses.
According to antderground.com, the species are beneficial to the ecosystem. The help in balancing vegetation through their seed collecting activities.
“The are widely used in animal behaviour studies due to their ability to collect and store seeds in an organised and efficient manner,” the website further states.
The ants are stunning to watch because of their huge size, unique colouration, behaviour and it is fascinating to watch their growth.
