Main content

Secrets of the ant trade

Why ant keeping has become a multi-million dollar business and how law enforcement and ant enthusiasts are working to stamp out the illegal ant trade.

Once a quiet hobby for enthusiasts, ant-keeping has exploded into a global, multi-million-dollar business driven by social media and a rising wave of "ant-influencers". Demand for exotic species is fuelling a boom in online trading forums, and a new front in wildlife trafficking. We go to Kenya, where law enforcement has made global headlines arresting gangs as they try to smuggle thousands of prized mated queens out of the country.

Release date:

Available now

26 minutes

Featured

  • .

Featured in...

Podcast