Two Belgian teenagers, Lornoy David and Seppe Lodewijckx, have been charged with wildlife piracy in Kenya.
Authorities found them in possession of 5,000 live ants packed in test tubes.
“We were collecting the ants for fun and were unaware that our actions were illegal,” the teens claimed during their court appearance.
The ants, including the species Messor cephalotes, were being smuggled to international markets where they are sold as exotic pets. Kenyan authorities estimated the total value of the insects at 1 million Kenyan shillings.
“The export of these ants not only violates Kenya’s sovereign rights over its natural resources but also threatens ecological balance,” the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) said.
Ecological Importance of Ants
Philip Muruthi, Vice President for Conservation at the African Wildlife Foundation, explained the ecological role ants play in maintaining healthy environments.
“Ants enrich soils, aid seed germination, and serve as food for various species such as birds,” he said. “When you see a thriving forest like Ngong, it’s not just the trees — it’s the relationships between organisms, from bacteria to ants to larger animals.”
Muruthi cautioned that smuggling insects across borders risks introducing diseases that could damage ecosystems and agricultural industries in importing countries.
“Even if there is trade, it should be regulated. No one should be taking our resources without consent or control,” he added.
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