Skip to content
An ACT Government Website
Accessibility
Contact us
Accessibility Contact us

Licensing of plants and animals

Native plants and animals are protected by the Nature Conservation Act 2014 (NC Act).

Under Chapter 6 of the Act it is an offence to conduct certain activities in relation to native species (flora and fauna). However, some activities may be carried out under a licence issued by the Conservator of Flora and Fauna.

You're responsible for applying for a licence before any proposed activity.

The ACT Parks and Conservation Service (ACT PCS) administers the Act to protect, conserve and enhance the biodiversity of the ACT.

Conservation Officers help the community to follow the laws. They help educate the public and conduct inspections, audits, and investigations.

You can help us protect and conserve the ACT’s biodiversity. If you see someone interacting with plants or animals in a way that doesn’t seem right, you can report them to Access Canberra.

This includes if they:

  • keep or trade exotic or native animals
  • illegally access reserves and national parks using motor vehicles
  • fish illegally, including keeping undersized fish
  • take plants, wood, soil or stone from reserved areas
  • keep or trap native animals
  • take, kill, injure or endanger a native animal.
Keeping or selling animals in the ACT Information on licences for keeping, selling, importing or exporting animals in the ACT.
Commercial licences to remove native animals Information about native possum and reptile relocation licences.
Commercial licences to collect seeds Information about collecting seeds and plants from unleased land for commercial use.
Taking animals and plants for scientific purposes Information on licencing and requirements needed before taking and releasing animals and plants for scientific purposes.
Applying to damage land, remove native trees and interfere with nests Information about licences for interfering with nests of native animals, driving a vehicle, and damaging land in nature reserves.
Translocation of native plants and animals for research Information on licencing and requirements needed before moving native plants and animals for research and scientific purposes.
Plant quarantine Learn how to keep plants safe and healthy during transport and trade.
Domestic pets Information about registering dogs and cats, and other domestic animal services in the ACT.