Chinese national sentenced for smuggling ants from Kenya

A Chinese national, Zhang Kequn, has been sentenced to one year in prison for attempting to smuggle thousands of live queen garden ants out of Kenya. The Nairobi court also imposed a fine of 1 million Kenyan shillings (£5,713; $7,737) on Zhang. Judge Irene Gichobi remarked that Zhang was not "entirely honest" and showed a lack of remorse during the proceedings.

Zhang was arrested at Nairobi's main airport in March while trying to travel to China with over 2,000 ants in his luggage. He was charged with illegally dealing in wildlife species. The court noted a growing demand for these ants in Europe and Asia, where they are valued by collectors. Judge Gichobi emphasized the need for a "stiff deterrent sentence" due to the rising cases of wildlife trafficking and the ecological impacts involved.

After serving his sentence, Zhang is expected to be deported back to China. He has 14 days to appeal the decision, which his lawyer indicated he would pursue. Zhang initially pleaded not guilty but later changed his plea to guilty. The ants were reportedly purchased from a Kenyan national, Charles Mwangi, for 10,000 Kenyan shillings (£58; $77) per 100 ants. Mwangi has also been charged and is currently out on bail.

This case highlights the increasing trend of wildlife trafficking, particularly concerning species that are in demand in international markets. The Kenyan judiciary's response reflects a growing recognition of the need for stringent measures to combat such illegal activities, which threaten biodiversity and ecological stability.

What to watch: The outcome of Zhang's appeal and any subsequent legal actions against his supplier, Charles Mwangi.