Wild Stowaways
Received: 15 May 2025
I am examining wildlife stowaways entering the UK through trade, travel, and transport pathways.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 etc.) 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:*Date of interception (if available)*Year*Species name*Sex*Status (dead or alive)*Country of origin*Means of arrival (e.g. within cargo, luggage, containers)*Location of arrival (e.g. which port, airport, city)*Mode of transport (e.g. ship, airplane, truck, etc.)*Who reported the presence (e.g. customs officer, public, etc.)*Whether the interception was commercial-relatedIf 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.
Outcome / Documents
- Response (not held) - application/pdf - Download