Belgian Teenagers Found With 5000 Ants Valued at About $15,000 in Kenya
Two Belgian teenagers were apprehended in Kenya with a collection of ants valued at $9,200, believed to be intended for European and Asian markets. The teens, Lornoy David and Seppe Lodewijckx, both 19, were arrested on April 5 and are awaiting sentencing in two weeks, following charges of violating wildlife conservation laws. The magistrate, Njeri Thuku, has decided to carefully consider environmental and psychological reports before delivering the sentence on May 7.
The teenagers claimed ignorance of any legal violations, believing they were simply indulging in a harmless pastime. Nevertheless, their case highlights a shift in trafficking trends, as noted by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). The focus is gradually moving away from iconic large mammals to lesser-known, yet ecologically significant species such as the ants involved in this case.
Having entered Kenya on tourist visas, the Belgians were staying in Naivasha, a town renowned for its wildlife attractions. Their lawyer, Halima Nyakinyua Magairo, emphasised their unawareness of the law and expressed hopes for more support from the Belgian embassy during the judicial process.
In a related incident, locals Dennis Ng’ang’a and Vietnamese national Duh Hung Nguyen were found with 400 ants in Nairobi. According to KWS, all four suspects were part of a trafficking network aimed at supplying the ants, including the notable Messor cephalotes species, to international markets for pet keeping.
This case underscores the complex dynamics of wildlife trafficking, bringing attention to the diverse species affected. As authorities strive to combat this emerging trend, the upcoming sentencing could set a precedent for handling such cases in the future.
Source: AfricaNews