Thousands of African harvester ant queens are being illegally smuggled from Kenya to Europe, with prices exceeding 200 euros per insect. The demand is driven by the growing popularity of keeping exotic ants as pets.

Since 2025, Kenyan authorities have repeatedly intercepted shipments of insects hidden in luggage. In one case, around 5,500 queens were seized. Smugglers face fines and prison sentences.

Researchers say that mostly young queens are taken, which could disrupt natural reproduction and harm savanna ecosystems. In Europe, ants have become a popular hobby, kept in terrariums and bred at home. However, trade is barely regulated, while Kenya has banned their export.

Ecologists warn that introduced species could establish themselves in Europe and damage infrastructure. Cases have already been recorded where African ants caused disruptions to power grids and internet connections in Germany and neighboring countries.

Experts are calling for stricter controls on the trade to reduce risks to nature and the economy.

Source: podrobno.uz