Keeping wildlife for recreational purposes
General information
The Nature Conservation Act 1992 allows for the recreational (private) keeping and use of a wide range of native species. In addition, a large number of exotic species are available in Queensland; international or prohibited animals may only be kept under a licence, whereas other species may be kept without a licence if they were lawfully imported into Queensland.Certain native birds, reptiles and amphibians may be kept privately in Queensland. Some species may be kept without a licence, whereas others may only be kept with an appropriate licence.
The holder of a recreational wildlife licence may only keep and use wildlife for recreation, and is not permitted to use the animals held under the licence for a commercial purpose. If you are interested in using protected wildlife commercially, you should refer to the section Commercial use of animals.
The cost of your licence, and the requirements for obtaining the licence vary depending upon the species you wish to keep.
- Controlled, commercial and recreational animals are usually fairly easy to keep and you do not need a lot of experience to get a licence.
- If you want to keep restricted animals, and especially restricted reptiles, you will need to demonstrate considerable experience in handling and husbandry of wildlife. You cannot get a recreational wildlife licence for restricted reptiles and amphibians unless you are 18 years of age or older.
- International wildlife can usually be kept without a lot of experience. However, applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
If you are just starting out, you should first get a recreational wildlife licence for controlled, commercial and recreational animals. This is usually referred to as a “basic” recreational wildlife licence.
Guidelines and policies
You can apply for a Recreational Wildlife licence using the EPA's online service .
Please read the information below to find out how to apply for a licence or permit to carry out this type of activity. The information sheet includes details about fees.Guideline: General requirements – Keeping
and using protected, international or prohibited animals in Queensland
Guideline: Conditions and restrictions –
Keeping exempt animals
Guideline: General requirements – Keeping
and using exotic animals under the Nature Conservation Act 1992
Guideline: Conditions and restrictions –
Keeping and using controlled animals without a recreational wildlife licence
Guideline: Conditions and restrictions –
Keeping and using controlled, commercial, recreational, restricted or international
animals under a recreational wildlife licence
Guideline: Conditions and restrictions –
Keeping protected animals under a permit to keep protected wildlife
You can also read the legislation online by visiting the Office of Queensland Parliamentary Counsel website.
Permits and approvals
If you wish to apply for a particular licence or permit, you need to lodge a completed application form.
A person who keeps wildlife under a recreational wildlife licence must keep the animal in a way that protects the welfare of the animal and minimises the likelihood that the animal will escape. The following codes of practice are relevant to a person who holds a recreational wildlife licence:
Code of practice: Aviculture
Code of practice: Captive reptile and amphibian husbandry.
Forms and fees
Please download an application form or contact the Ecoaccess Customer Service Unit on 1300 368 326 for assistance.Application form: Recreational wildlife licence (birds, reptiles, amphibians)
Schedule of fees
Credit card payment form
Last updated: 01 September 2008
