Ant smugglers caught with hundreds of prized insects in Kenya

It is believed the ants were destined for exotic pet markets in Europe and Asia.

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The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), which is more used to protecting larger creatures, such as lions and elephants, has described this as a "landmark case".

The contraband included giant African harvester ants, which are valued by some UK dealers at up to £170 ($220) each.

The case showed a "disturbing shift in trafficking patterns - from iconic mammals to lesser-known species that are vital to ecological balance", the KWS said.

The suspects had concealed the creatures in "specially modified test tubes and syringes" which would have enabled the insects to survive for two months, the KWS said.