Effective Wildlife Trade Satellite Tracking?
MetaculusDEC 2023
Kenya: Ant Smugglers Caught With 5K Live Prized Insects
Image copyright: Kenya Wildlife Service via X
The Spin
Narrative A
The smuggling operation shows a sophisticated and well-planned criminal enterprise targeting Kenya's biodiversity, undermining sovereign rights, and depriving local communities of potential ecological and economic benefits. The case highlights an alarming trend in wildlife trafficking, shifting from large mammals to smaller, ecologically critical species — even insects.
Narrative B
The street value and growing demand in international markets make ant trade an increasingly lucrative illegal trade. The species is in high demand among collectors who appreciate its unique characteristics. Such activities will continue until the KWS imposes a complete ban on keeping rare ants as pets.