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 (including by taxidermy, bone articulation or wet preservation)
• native animal parts (like eggs, claws or bones)
• cryopreserved animals or deal with animals subjected to cryopreservation
• some native animals not covered by the Protected Animal Specimens Code of Practice, such as:
  • animals listed in the threatened species schedules of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016
  • native birds of prey
  • native marine mammals
  • native sea turtles.

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
• 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. Gather your supporting documents and photographs, if applicable.
2. Select the 'Apply for a taxidermy or specimen licence' button.
3. Complete the online application form.
4. Submit your application.

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.
• When you hold a taxidermy licence, you'll need to follow the relevant conditions for your licence type found in:
  • Taxidermist Biodiversity Conservation Licence
  • Protected Animal Specimens Biodiversity Conservation Licence.
• For more information, contact the Wildlife Team on 02 9585 6406 or email wildlife.licensing@environment.nsw.gov.au.