World Animal Protection has lauded the Kenyan judiciary and
the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) for taking decisive action in a rare and
precedent-setting case involving the illegal trafficking of over 5,000 giant
African harvester ants (Messor cephalotes).
In what is being termed a landmark ruling, four individuals,
two Belgian nationals, a Vietnamese national, and a Kenyan citizen, were
convicted and fined Sh1 million (USD $7,700) each or handed a 12-month
custodial sentence for their roles in the illegal possession and trafficking of
the protected insect species.
“This ruling sends a powerful message that Kenya is serious
about combating biopiracy, even when it involves species that don't usually
grab headlines,” said Edith Kabesiime, Wildlife Campaign Manager at World
Animal Protection.
“For too long,
traffickers have operated under the radar, targeting ecologically important
species that are lesser-known but no less vital to our ecosystems,” she added
The ants, locally valued at about Sh1.2 million, were
intercepted before they could be smuggled out of the country to black markets
in Europe and Asia, where similar colonies can fetch up to USD $1 million.
Authorities believe the operation was part of a growing
trend of biopiracy targeting non-iconic species for research, exotic pet
trades, and other commercial purposes.
“We welcome this timely judgment, which rightly recognises
that wildlife crime does not end with iconic species such as elephants and
rhinos,” Kabesiime said.
She noted that the case highlights the need to extend our
vigilance beyond the usual suspects of poaching.
“We are pleased with
the collaboration between the KWS, law enforcement, and the judiciary. This
kind of synergy is critical to ensure that wildlife crimes are not only
detected but also successfully prosecuted,” Kabesiime said
World Animal Protection indicated that the ruling comes at a
critical time, as Kenya is currently reviewing its Wildlife Conservation and
Management Act.
The organisation is urging policymakers to use this case as
a wake-up call.
“This ruling is coming at a time when Kenya is in the
process of reviewing her Wildlife Conservation and Management Act,” Kabesiime
noted.
“As wildlife crime
syndicates diversify their targets, our legal frameworks and penalties must
evolve in tandem.”
She further urged lawmakers to adopt stricter penalties and
bolster enforcement capacity.
"It’s not just the traffickers who should be worried,
those who profit from these crimes must also face meaningful consequences.”
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to working with
Kenyan authorities to protect all wildlife, both iconic and obscure, from
exploitation and illegal trade, aligning with global efforts to safeguard
biodiversity and promote animal welfare.
“Every species plays a role in the ecosystem. By protecting
even the smallest creatures, we are ultimately protecting ourselves and future
generations,” Kabesiime said.
