Short answer: yes, taxidermy is legal to buy and own in Australia — but “it depends on the species” is the honest longer answer, and it’s worth understanding before you buy rather than after.
The three categories that matter
Almost every taxidermy specimen for sale in Australia falls into one of three legal categories, and which one applies changes what paperwork (if any) you should expect.
1. Feral and introduced species
Foxes, feral pigs, rabbits, feral cats and similar introduced species aren’t protected wildlife under Australian law. Buying, owning and displaying a mount of these species doesn’t usually require a permit — this is the simplest category, and it’s why feral species make up the bulk of most entry-level taxidermy collections.
2. Native Australian species
Native wildlife is protected at the state and territory level — the specific legislation varies (NSW’s biodiversity conservation laws, Victoria’s Wildlife Act, Queensland’s Nature Conservation Act, and equivalent acts elsewhere), but the pattern is consistent: possessing or selling a mounted native species typically requires the specimen to be lawfully sourced, and often a wildlife licence or permit to hold. This applies to the mounted specimen, not just the live animal.
3. CITES-listed and imported exotic species
African and exotic game mounts 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 the country generally requires a wildlife trade permit arranged before it arrives — this applies to old hunting trophies and decorative pieces too, not just live specimens or fresh imports.
What this means when you’re buying
- Ask what category a specific specimen falls into before you order — a reputable seller should be able to tell you without hesitation.
- 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 “in progress.”
- Keep any paperwork provided with your purchase. If you ever sell or gift the piece on, the next owner will want it too.
What this doesn’t cover
Export rules are separate from the rules for buying and owning domestically — if you’re planning to take a piece overseas, or you’re importing something yourself rather than buying from an Australian seller, treat that as its own compliance question and check with the relevant authority directly.
For the specifics of how we handle sourcing and paperwork on specimens we sell, see our Compliance & Permits page. To start browsing, our Native & Feral collection is the most straightforward category to buy in if you’re new to taxidermy ownership.