Compliance & permits
Taxidermy is legal to buy and own in Australia — but which permits apply depends on the species. Here’s the framework, in plain language, so you know what to expect before you order.
This page explains the general rules that apply to taxidermy in Australia. It isn’t legal advice — for anything unusual (importing a piece from overseas yourself, or a species you’re unsure about), check with the relevant state wildlife authority or the federal environment department directly.
Feral and introduced species — generally straightforward
Most of what’s in our Native & Feral collection — foxes, feral pigs, rabbits, and similar introduced species — isn’t protected wildlife under Australian law, so buying, owning and displaying a mount of these species doesn’t usually require a permit. This is the simplest category to buy in.
Native Australian species — permits usually required
Native wildlife is protected at the state and territory level (for example under NSW’s biodiversity conservation legislation, Victoria’s Wildlife Act, or Queensland’s Nature Conservation Act), and this generally extends to taxidermy specimens and parts, not just live animals. Selling or possessing a mounted native species typically requires the specimen to be lawfully sourced and, in many cases, a wildlife licence or permit to hold. We hold the relevant licensing for the native species we list, and keep that documentation on file for every specimen.
CITES-listed and imported species
Exotic and African game mounts — the kind listed in our African & Exotic Game collection — often involve species covered by CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), which Australia enforces through the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Importing a CITES-listed specimen into Australia generally requires a wildlife trade permit, arranged before the item enters the country — this applies even to old hunting trophies and decorative pieces, not just live specimens. We only list CITES-listed specimens once the import permit is already in place, not pending.
What to ask before you buy
- Ask what permit or licence status applies to the specific specimen you’re interested in — reference the catalogue number.
- For native species, ask to see the relevant wildlife licence or permit documentation.
- For CITES-listed species, confirm the import permit is already in place, not pending.
- If you plan to re-export or take a piece overseas, treat that as a separate compliance question — export rules aren’t the same as the rules for buying domestically.
Our approach
We only deal in specimens that can be lawfully bought, sold and shipped within Australia. Where a species requires permits or licensing, we keep the relevant paperwork on file and can provide copies at the time of sale. If you’re ever unsure what applies to a piece you’re considering, ask before you order — contact us with the catalogue number and we’ll confirm.