Native plant and animal licensing
Most activities involving native animals or plants need a licence in NSW. You need a licence to keep native animals as pets or trade them. You also need a licence to pick or trade some native plants.
Native wildlife licensing
In NSW you need a licence if you want to keep, trade or control animals. You also need a licence to import or export almost all protected animals in or out of NSW. Read about the different types of licence.
- Keeping native animals as pets
- Import or export native animals into or out of NSW
- Catch and release animals like reptiles or possums from residential or commercial properties
You also need a licence for native animal rehabilitation, and to trade native animal specimens, skins, feathers, eggs and skeletons:
Licences may also be granted to:
Threatened species impact licences
In NSW you need a licence to study, harm or pick a threatened native plant or animal or damage its habitat.
Protected native plant licences
Licensing helps regulate the cut-flower and whole-plant industries to sustainably harvest and cultivate protected native plants for sale.
Scientific licences
In NSW you may need a scientific licence for research, education or conservation. These licences safeguard protected native plant and animal populations and ensure people work with them responsibly.