A biodiversity conservation licence can be granted under Part 2 of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 that 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.

Licence requirements

To apply for a catch and release reptile licence, you need to:

  • be at least 18 years old
  • complete the application form on this page
  • explain why a licence should be granted and describe the location/area where you will operate
  • provide 2 written references from experienced snake handlers who are confident in your ability to safely handle reptiles
  • show that you hold a current first aid certificate
  • show you have public liability insurance that lists snake handling as an insured activity
  • prove that you have completed a practical reptile handling course or have at least 2 years proven experience in handling venomous snakes.

You or an associate can also use the online form to add the associate to an existing licence. A separate form must be completed for each associate.

Associates can be covered by the licence holder's public liability insurance, but must be listed by name on the insurance or included in the number of roles covered. Or associates can hold their own public liability insurance, which must list snake handling as an insured activity. 

It is an offence to provide false or misleading information in applications and documents in connection with matters under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.

Licence application form

Privacy collection notice

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is collecting your personal information through this form.

Why are we collecting your information?

We are collecting your information for the purposes of processing and assessing your application for a biodiversity conservation licence under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, Biodiversity Conservation Regulation 2017 or other instruments made under this Act. We are also collecting it to allow the department to administer the licence scheme, including to carry out reporting, auditing, and compliance.

We will only use your personal information for a purpose that is consistent with these purposes. This includes contacting you from time to time about proposed changes to the licence scheme. 

How will we share your information?

Consistent with the purpose of collection, we may disclose your personal information to third parties for the purposes of confirming information provided by you in this application, and for compliance and investigation purposes.

We may share your information with a third party under an exemption under privacy law, including in circumstances where disclosure is required for a law enforcement purposes or as part of the investigation functions of an agency. We will not share it with anyone else unless you give your consent, or the law requires or allows us to do so.

Are you required by law to give us your information?

You are not required by law to give us your information, but if you choose not to, we may not be able to process your application and issue the product or service being requested.

Your right to access and correct your information

To access or correct your information, please contact:

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
Locked Bag 5022, Parramatta NSW 2124
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS)

Further information

For more details on how your information is handled, please refer to Privacy and security.


You must be at least 18 years old to hold a catch and release reptile licence.








Business details







Postal address




Permission

Other licences


Experience and justification




Upload documentary proof

In addition to this application form, the applicant must provide documentary evidence verifying that they meet the following criteria to hold a reptile catch and release licence.






Declaration





'Technical competencies’ means the specific skills and knowledge required to undertake the activities in accordance with your licence conditions (if granted).



I do hereby apply for a biodiversity conservation licence under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 to catch and release reptiles.


I attach documentary evidence verifying that I meet the pre-requisite criteria described under 'Documentary proof'. I declare that I have read and understand the conditions that may apply to the licence, if granted. I declare that all the information provided by me in this application is true and correct.



Listing on public register 

As required by the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, a public register of biodiversity conservation licences will be published on the department’s website. The public register will not include personal information of individuals. Information about the location of plants and animals covered by licences will be restricted to postcode. 

Licence holders who give permission will have their contact details included on the List of licensed reptile handlers webpage.

Removing a snake from your home or garden

The safest thing to do is not to try and handle or kill the snake. Keep children and pets well away. Contact a local reptile handler from the list above or a wildlife rehabilitation group. They will remove the snake from your home or garden.

More information

Contact us

Biodiversity and Heritage Regulator – Wildlife Team

Phone: 02 9585 6406

Email: [email protected]