Authorities in Kenya are responding to a growing international trade in giant African harvester ants, prized by collectors in Europe and Asia as exotic pets. Two recent convictions for ant smuggling have highlighted concerns over the environmental impact of removing thousands of the insects from their natural habitats. The ants, native to east Africa, are valued for their size, striking colours and complex colony behaviour. Conservationists warn that the species plays a vital role in grassland ecosystems by dispersing seeds and supporting biodiversity important for livestock and wildlife. Experts fear that over-harvesting could damage fragile ecosystems and threaten local agriculture and tourism. There are also concerns that introducing the ants into non-native regions could create invasive species problems with serious environmental and economic consequences. The situation has prompted renewed calls for stronger international action against illegal wildlife trafficking.