If you’re thinking of owning a reptile, there are a few things you need to be aware of to ensure you’re ticking all the appropriate legal boxes.
- It is illegal to keep exotic (non-Australian) reptiles. This includes Red-Eared Sliders (an American turtle), European or American tortoises, and corn snakes (an American snake).
- All native reptiles are protected by law. They cannot be taken from the wild and kept as pets.
- To keep a reptile as a private keeper you will need to acquire a licence from the state or territory wildlife authority.
- Reptiles must be acquired from a licensed keeper or supplier only. In some states you must sight photographic identification (e.g., a driver’s licence) from the seller.
- It is illegal to export Australian reptiles overseas, or into Tasmania.
Although there is some variation between states and territories, the rules are generally very similar.
New South Wales
In New South Wales, native reptiles are protected by law and there are different licences depending on the type of reptile and how many of them you’d like to keep. Learn more here.
Queensland
In Queensland, a recreation wildlife licence is required, depending on the type of wildlife you’re hoping to keep. Strict conditions apply that prohibit the owner from breeding their wildlife or selling or giving away wildlife that is held under the permit. Learn more here.
Victoria
In Victoria, there are four licence types to suit the variety of wildlife (and reptiles) that can be kept. Plus, there are some types of wildlife that can be kept without a permit (such as the spotted grass frog or the Eastern blue-tongued lizard). For other reptiles, though, it’s important to refer to the Wildlife Regulations of 2013 to determine which licence you need for your reptile. Learn more here.
South Australia
In South Australia, it’s the Department for Environment and Water that regulates the ownership of native animals, including reptiles. You will need a permit if you want to keep a native animal in captivity. The permit system is there to protect native animals from being illegally acquired and sold into captivity. Learn more here.
Australian Capital Territory
In the ACT, the majority of reptiles are protected and under the Nature Conservation Act 1980; however, there are some species that are exempt from licencing regulation. Whether the species is protected or not, it is illegal to capture a native species in the wild and put it in captivity. Learn more here.
Western Australia
In Western Australia, the regulation of wildlife is under the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. Again, whether or not the reptile you’re interested in owning is regulated depends on the species. Learn more here.
Northern Territory
In the Northern Territory, as in most of Australia, the majority of reptiles require a permit in order to be kept as a pet in captivity. However, there are some species that are exempt. Learn more here.
Tasmania
In Tasmania, reptiles and amphibians are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 2002 and the Threatened Species Act 1995. There are a few exceptions – frog eggs and tadpoles can be collected without a permit. But if a tadpole becomes a frog that is not a common froglet or brown tree frog, it needs to be returned to the body of water it came from. Other reptiles will need permits. Learn more here.
Note: Information current as of 15 June 2023. This information is not legal advice. Seek advice from the relevant authority.
