The Protected Animal Specimens Code of Practice 2023 has been made under the Biodiversity Conservation Regulation 2017.
Before this code, anyone possessing or wanting to possess a protected animal specimen (including feathers and eggs) required a biodiversity conservation licence as a defence against prosecution under the Biodiversity Conservation Act.
As a result of wildlife licensing reforms, members of the public must register to the code and abide wholly by its terms to gain a defence against prosecution for dealing in certain protected animal specimens in New South Wales.
Unlike a licence, registering to the code is free, has fewer reporting requirements and no application assessment process.
The code applies to:
- a person who has specimens of protected animals in their possession
- a person who intends to collect a carcass of a protected animal that was not harmed (for example, it was found dead) and have that carcass preserved (for example, taxidermied)
- a person who intends to collect naturally shed feathers, skin, non-viable eggs, egg shards, bones, and bone shards of protected animals.
Registrants to the code may deal (possess, buy, sell, and trade) in protected animal specimens of species eligible under the code.
Register to the code
To comply with the code, you must register your personal details and information about specimens in your possession.