Wildlife Crime Goes Small: The Illegal Trade in Insects

In two separate incidents, four men—two Belgians, a Vietnamese, and a Kenyan—were recently convicted in Kenya for attempting to smuggle over 5,300 ants, including the prized giant African harvester species. Although the Belgians claimed to be hobbyists, the group faced steep fines or jail time, highlighting Kenya’s zero-tolerance stance on wildlife trafficking. The case sheds light on the growing illicit insect trade, driven by collectors willing to pay hundreds of US dollars per ant. Authorities warn that the incidents, a form of biopiracy, threaten ecosystems and violate international protocols. Smuggling insects can also pose public health risks, potentially fueling future pandemics. As Kenya’s wildlife agency states, protecting even the smallest species is vital for biodiversity, national heritage, and global safety.