NAIROBI, Kenya – May 8, 2025 — Two Belgian teenagers have been fined $7,700 or face a 12-month prison sentence after being caught with 5,000 live ants in Kenya, in what authorities describe as a troubling new frontier in wildlife trafficking.
The teenagers, Lornoy David and Seppe Lodewijckx, both 19, were arrested on April 5 at a guest house in Nakuru County, a region known for its national parks and rich biodiversity. They were officially charged on April 15 for violating Kenya’s strict wildlife conservation laws.
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) confirmed that the two were in possession of thousands of Messor cephalotes, a species of large, reddish harvester ants native to East Africa. These ants are increasingly sought after in European and Asian exotic pet and collector markets, signaling a shift in illegal wildlife trade from high-profile animals to lesser-known species.
Court Rejects “Hobbyist” Defense
During the court session held at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Magistrate Njeri Thuku dismissed the defense’s claim that the teens were collecting the ants “out of hobbyist curiosity” and were unaware of the legal implications. Thuku emphasized that the sheer quantity and species type made their actions incompatible with casual collection.
“We are not talking about a few insects picked up during a hike. These were 5,000 individual ants, part of a species with commercial value,” the magistrate ruled.
The court offered the Belgians a choice: pay a fine of 1 million Kenyan shillings ($7,700) or serve the mandatory minimum sentence of one year in prison under Kenya’s Wildlife Conservation and Management Act.
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Crackdown on Lesser-Known Wildlife Trade
The incident has raised alarm within conservation circles, especially as traffickers shift focus to insects and small species that can be smuggled easily across borders.
KWS said that while Kenya has traditionally focused on protecting elephants, rhinos, and big cats, a new wave of wildlife crime is emerging — one that targets insects, reptiles, amphibians, and other lesser-known species.
“We are seeing a disturbing trend where traffickers are exploiting gaps in regulation around insects and smaller wildlife,” a KWS spokesperson said. “These species may be small, but they play crucial roles in our ecosystem.”
Global Demand Fuels Insect Trafficking
Ants such as the Messor cephalotes are highly prized in niche markets abroad. Collectors and ant-keeping hobbyists in Europe and Asia often purchase rare species for personal display or study, with some colonies selling for hundreds of dollars online.
This emerging demand makes countries like Kenya vulnerable to new forms of wildlife exploitation, especially in areas with rich biodiversity and limited oversight.
Conservation Implications
Experts warn that while insect trafficking receives less attention than ivory or pangolin smuggling, the consequences could be severe.
“Removing thousands of ants from their native ecosystem can disrupt soil health, seed dispersal, and predator-prey dynamics,” said Dr. Amina Odhiambo, an ecologist at the University of Nairobi. “Insects are not just background creatures — they are vital to ecological balance.”
What Happens Next?
The Belgian teens have not yet confirmed whether they will pay the fine or opt for the prison term. Their case is likely to raise diplomatic concerns, but conservationists insist the law must be enforced to deter future violations.
As Kenya steps up enforcement of its wildlife protection laws, authorities have urged tourists and visitors to familiarize themselves with regulations before interacting with flora and fauna.
“Curiosity is not a defense when it comes to wildlife crimes,” said KWS. “Whether you’re smuggling ivory or ants, the law applies.”
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