For one insect – hundreds of euros?

The attempt to take Kenya ants from two Belgians ended in court. About 5,000 people were found in the guest house where they lived. ants. The guys admitted their guilt and claimed to have picked up ants because they were their hobby and did not think it was illegal, but the court did not convince. According to the judge, this type of ants is very valuable, and they were not several but thousands.

« You have to pay $ 1 million in Kenya shillings. In the absence of this duty, each of them will have to serve a twelve -month prison sentence, » Judge Njeri Thuku said.

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The Belgians and two other guys had to pay about 7,000. EUR fines, otherwise the year will be seated in jail for a year.

« If it’s your child, you would really try to get home with you, not sit in prison. We will try to do our best to get back, we need them to return to school, we need to return to their life, » said lawyer Halima Nyakinyua.

Insects are believed to be transported to exotic pet stores in Europe and Asia. Smuggling has attempted to be removed by ants that collectors can pay up to € 200 for one ant.

« They are young, this story will be told even for other generations. When other children come to Kenya, they will have an understanding, so it is a good legal practice, a good precedent, » the lawyer said.

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In Kenya, the ants are protected by international biodiversity contracts and are subject to strict laws.

« If you move the ants to another environment that may not survive them. In addition, by destroying the ants, you can cause an ecological disaster from which you took, » said Biologist Shadrack Muya.

According to Kenya environmentalists, the nature of smuggling is changing and attempts are made to remove not only popular mammals, but also less well -known animal species that are important for ecological balance.