• A Kenyan court sentenced Chinese national Zhang Kequn to one year in prison for ant smuggling.
• Zhang was fined 1 million Kenyan shillings ($7,746) for attempting to smuggle over 2,200 live ants.
• The ants were primarily intended for markets in China, Europe, and the US as collectibles.

A Kenyan court has sentenced Chinese national Zhang Kequn to a year in prison for attempting to smuggle over 2,200 live garden ants out of Kenya. The court imposed a fine of 1 million Kenyan shillings ($7,746) and underscored the need for a deterrent given the rising incidents of ant trafficking, as noted by Judge Irene Gichobi of Nairobi's main international airport. Zhang was arrested in March while trying to board a flight to China with the live ants concealed in his luggage, according to Reuters and Africanews.

During the proceedings, Judge Gichobi described Zhang as lacking remorse, emphasizing the negative ecological impacts of trafficking such wildlife. Authorities in Kenya are increasingly concerned about the growing demand for these ants in markets across Europe and Asia, where they are valued as pets and collectibles. A single ant can command prices up to $220, according to BBC and Reuters.

Zhang initially pled not guilty but later changed his plea to guilty after negotiating a deal with prosecutors. His lawyer indicated that he would appeal the conviction. Additionally, a Kenyan man, Charles Mwangi, is also facing charges related to supplying the ants to Zhang. Mwangi has pleaded not guilty and is currently out on bail, as per Africanews and BBC.