What sort of permit do I need?

Unprotected animals

Most animals classed as unprotected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 do not require a permit to be taken from the wild. However, a Permit to Take Galahs or Little Corellas is required to take chicks or young flyers for sale to the pet trade.

Protected animals

You must have a permit to take protected native animals, including their eggs, from the wild to bring them into captivity.

We carefully consider all permit applications using the criteria in the Take from the Wild Policy and Standard.

We assess permit applications against conservation criteria to consider the:

  • impact on existing populations of taking animals from the wild
  • reason for taking an animal from the wild
  • conservation status of the species
  • status of the species in captivity
  • knowledge and experience of the applicant.

Species of higher conservation concern are subject to extra considerations.

Permit holders must comply with the conditions of the permit, and certain requirements of the regulations including the requirement to provide evidence of landowner permission to be on the land for the purpose of taking protected animals from the wild. Applicants may attach the available permission to enter land form when submitting their application.

Permits to take protected animals may be granted to people wishing to:

1. Take from the wild for keeping in captivity, including the purposes to:

  • add new native animals to the captive trade industry
  • display or demonstrate native animals
  • take scientific or biological products

To apply for this permit, download the Take from the wild (for keeping in captivity) application form. You will need a separate permit to then keep, sell or display the animal.

2. Take from the wild for conservation, including the purposes to:

  • translocate animals as part of a threatened species recovery program
  • take and breed animals ex-situ as part of a threatened species recovery program

For more information on application requirements for a Take from the wild permit (for conservation purposes) please contact the Fauna Permit Unit. You may need separate permits to import or export if your program involves translocating animals interstate or if your program involves scientific research activities.

Please allow up to four weeks for your permit application to be processed.

How long will the permit be valid?

Permits to take protected animals are granted for a maximum of 12 months. Permit extensions cannot be granted. However, you may apply for a new permit if you fail to get the total number of animals specified on the original permit.

Fees

Unprotected animals

Permit fees apply to taking galahs and little corellas from the nest or by trapping for the pet trade.

Protected animals

An application fee, permit fee and royalties are payable for permits to take protected animals from the wild. The royalty fees depend on the conservation rating of the animal and the number of animals the permit allows you to take from the wild.

Permit fees and royalties are not refundable, even if you are unsuccessful in taking animals from the wild. Permit and royalty fees apply for subsequent permits.