Two Belgian teenagers found with 5,000 ants in Kenya given $7,700 fine or 1-year prison sentence

Two Belgian teens caught with 5,000 ants in Kenya, fined $7,700 or face 1-year prison sentence.

Teens claimed collecting ants was a hobby, but court ruled it wildlife trafficking.

Ants were valuable species native to East Africa, destined for European and Asian markets.

Kenya Wildlife Service: Illegal export undermines biodiversity rights and local benefits.

Case highlights emerging trend in trafficking lesser-known wildlife species.