Apply for a licence to carry out taxidermy or possess preserved specimens

Introduction

Taxidermy is the preservation and mounting of an animal for study or display. You'll need a licence if you want to carry out taxidermy on or keep preserved specimens of:

• protected native animals
• native animal parts (like eggs, claws or bones)
• animals listed in the threatened species schedules of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.

Eligibility

You must be:

• a professional or hobbyist (under tutelage) taxidermist wanting to carry out taxidermy on native animals or threatened species
• an individual wanting to keep or have a native/threatened specimen preserved by a professional taxidermist.

What you need

• your contact details
• details of any other licences you've been previously granted under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 or the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974
• the PDF form – 'Licence to Possess Preserved Specimens and/or Carry Out Taxidermy'
• your payment for the application fee.

Depending on whether you're a hobbyist, a professional taxidermist, or an individual seeking to have a native specimen preserved, you'll also need where applicable:

• the common and scientific names of the species
• where and how the native specimen was obtained
• reason for taxidermy
• name and licence number of the intended taxidermist
• name and licence number of your taxidermy tutor
• details of your taxidermy experience
• photographs of your work
• list of species you already hold.

How to apply

1. Select the 'Download PDF form' button.
2. Complete the application form.
3. Gather your supporting documents and photographs, if applicable.
4. Submit your application by email to the details on the form.

More information

• A licence for private purposes may not be granted for any bird of prey or a threatened species unless you can show a legitimate scientific or educational purpose for the specimen.
• You do not need a licence to keep or carry out taxidermy on non-native animals or hold processed animal products.
• It is illegal to remove or preserve any animal or animal part from a national park or nature reserve without authorisation.
• You cannot sell or trade animal specimens, even if you do not want to keep it. If you’re a professional taxidermist, you may advertise and charge for your taxidermy services.
• For more information, contact the Wildlife Team on 02 9585 6406 or email wildlife.licensing@environment.nsw.gov.au.