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Wildlife licences

All native mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians and many species of native plants are protected in NSW by the National Parks and Wildlife Act.

You'll need to get a licence from the NPWS if you want to:

• keep native animals as pets
• carry out research into protected fauna and flora
• move native animals across state and territory borders.

Keeping native animals as pets
Birds, frogs, reptiles and mammals - find out about which native fauna species you can keep in NSW and how to apply for a licence.

Trading in native animals and plants
See licences and policies for trade and commercial use of native plants and animals within NSW, and transport of native species across the state's borders.

Rehabilitating native animals
See the policy and codes of practice on rehabilitating native animals.

Licences for scientific, educational and conservation actions
Find information, links and guidelines if you are intending to conduct research into protected flora and fauna or research within the NPWS reserve system.

Licences for property owners and developers
Do you wish to control native animals that are causing damage or economic hardship on your property? Are you planning a development or other activity that may harm a threatened species? Download licence application forms here.

Fishing licences
You'll need a licence if you're doing any freshwater or saltwater fishing in NSW. Visit the NSW Fisheries website to find out more and buy a licence online.

Catch and Release Reptiles
The Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) may issue a licence to suitably qualified people to catch and release reptiles. A licence allows handlers to legally catch and release reptiles (usually snakes) from commercial and residential homes and backyards. Reptile handlers operate under strict licence conditions to ensure human safety and animal welfare.

Emu egg carving
The art of carving emu eggs - Kalti Paarti - became popular in the 19th century. Emu egg shells have multiple layers ranging from an inner white layer through to the familiar green outer layer, ensuring they are highly valued for carving among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal artists.

Wildlife licences in other parts of Australia
The licensing information on this website only applies to NSW. Get links to fauna protection agencies in the Commonwealth and other states and territories to find out more about wildlife licences.