WELCOME TO THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN PERMIT SYSTEM PAGE
John Fowler & Rachel Barnes
This is an overview only, which will give you a general idea how the permit system works in the state of South Australia.
Each state has different laws which are enforced by different Wildlife Authorities.
South Australia Wildlife Laws are controlled by The Department of Environment and Water
where more detailed information can be found
THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN PERMIT SYSTEM - Overview
NOTE that generally permits in South Australia cover Native Animals (Reptiles, Birds and Mammals), whereas in some states, permits are specifically for reptiles.
There are 10 unprotected species of Birds as well as the Dingo
in South Australia, however all reptiles are protected.
We have Exempt species, Basic species and Specialist species of reptiles
Exempt Species
Note the codes on the left are often, but not always similar in different states
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animals listed as Exempt are fully protected and a permit is required to take any of these species from the wild
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they are very common either in captivity or in their natural habitat
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there are no restrictions on the keeping or sale of these animals.
Basic Species
Note the codes on the left are often, but not always similar in different states
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animals listed as Basic are fully protected and common either in captivity or in their natural habitat
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these animals are usually easy to keep in captivity
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a permit is not required to keep one individual animal, however the sale or disposal of that animal would require a permit
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animals listed as Basic are fully protected and a permit is required to take any from the wild.
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Specialist Species
Note there is no list of Specialist species.
If the reptile does not appear on the Exempt and basic species list then it is a Specialist Species.
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these animals are fully protected in the wild
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a Specialist permit to keep and sell is required
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to obtain a Specialist permit, you may be required to prove you have the facilities, knowledge and experience to safely and properly care for the animal
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any species not specifically nominated on the Unprotected, Exempt or Basic lists is automatically Specialist.
Specialist species fall into at least one of the categories below :-
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are not generally kept in captivity
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are considered to be of high status as a result of illegal trading or demand from trade (e.g. black cockatoos)
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require special feeding or housing (e.g. koalas or wombats or thorny devils)
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are endangered in their natural environment (e.g. Golden-shouldered parrots or Western swamp turtles)
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require special expertise for handling and security (e.g. front-fanged venomous snakes and crocodiles).
PERMITS (SOUTH AUSTRALIA)
We have Basic, Specialist and Dealers permits.
Exempt species are still protected, you cannot take them from the wild or export them interstate without a permit. However no permit is needed to keep or sell them. Note that although frogs are generally not protected in SA, there are 2 exempt species listed.
Basic species need a basic permit, there is a fee for that, it is the most common permit and covers most species available. This permit is readily available to almost anyone. It also allows you to sell animals you breed. Detailed records must be kept and an annual return must be submitted.
A permit is not needed however if you only keep 1 legally acquired basic animal you do not need a permit, until you want to sell it.
Animals you have not bred yourself must not be sold within 6 months.
Specialist species need a more expensive permit and 2 annual returns.
If you apply for a permit to keep and sell Specialist animals, you must prove you have the facilities, knowledge and experience to safely and properly care for that animal.
These are endorsed (restricted) for specific types of animals such as Tortoises, Dragons, Monitors etc. with Crocodiles and Venomous snakes being the hardest to get. Animals you have not bred yourself must not be sold within 6 months. Basic species may be kept under a specialist permit.
Snake Catcher’s Permits are an additional permit needed to rescue snakes
Dealers licenses are either Basic or Specialist (endorsed for certain types). Basic species may be kept under a specialist permit. These licenses may be very expensive, however animals may be sold after 1 week normally. (instead of after 6 months)
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