FOI request (FOIR-715134041)

Wildlife Stowaway Interceptions in the UK

Requested Fri 16 May 2025
Responded Thu 29 May 2025

Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I would like to request access to any available data on wildlife stowaways intercepted in the United Kingdom between 1st January 2015 and April 2025, which would be an ideal period for research. Specifically, I am seeking information (where available) on all amphibians, reptiles and invertebrates (non-agricultural pest invertebrate species such as tarantulas, scorpions and myriapods but excluding agricultural pest such as aphid species, and so on) intercepted across all modes of transport (air, sea, road, rail).

I would greatly appreciate data including but not limited to the following fields, where recorded:

a. Date of interception (if available)

b. Year

c. Species name

d. Sex

e. Status (dead or alive)

f. Country of origin

g. Means of arrival (for example, within cargo, luggage, containers)

h. Location of arrival (for example, which port, airport, city)

i. Mode of transport (for example, ship, airplane, truck)

j. Who reported the presence (for example, customs officer, public)

k. Whether the interception was commercial-related

If it is not possible to release all of the requested data, I would be grateful for any subset that is available or for guidance on how to formally access such data through appropriate channels. Additionally, if your department is not the appropriate authority for this request, I would appreciate any direction or contact details for relevant agencies or organizations.

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Response

Hastings Borough Council holds no information in respect of this request.