What does 'taxidermy' mean?
Taxidermy means preparing and mounting parts, or complete specimens, or products of wildlife for the purpose of preserving those products of wildlife in lifelike form. It can also include the restoration of already preserved specimens.
Why is regulation of taxidermy important?
Taxidermy regulations vary according to the conservation status of an animal and the manner in which it is obtained. It is important for the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas) to fairly regulate taxidermy and ensure the practice does not unreasonably impact wildlife. Taxidermy of wildlife can serve important scientific and educational purposes, but if not appropriately regulated, can potentially increase the illegal trade of rare species or those that present a biosecurity risk.
Please contact Wildlife Services if you are in any doubt as to your legal obligations under the Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulations 2021.
Taxidermy for commercial use
An authority to taxidermy for commercial use requires a person to be the holder of a Commercial Taxidermy Licence (CTL).
A CTL may authorise the holder to undertake taxidermy and;
buy, receive, acquire, possess or otherwise dispose of products of partly protected wildlife
The taxidermy of protected and specially protected wildlife must be undertaken for scientific or educational purposes only. Examples include:
museums or art galleries
schools
universities or other tertiary education providers
cultural centres/institutions with an aim of increasing awareness or understanding of cultural heritage
technical skills training (taxidermy or otherwise)
Note:
Products of wildlife must only be sourced or received from a person who is legally authorised (permitted/licensed) to take, possess and/or deliver for the purpose of taxidermy.
A CTL does not authorise the ‘take’ of wildlife or products of wildlife which includes the killing of wildlife to acquire products of wildlife or the carrying out of any operation for the purpose of obtaining a product of wildlife.
How do I apply?
To apply for a CTL, please complete the form below.
Please read the fact sheet attached to the application form before completing the application and submit to Wildlife Services.
Permit to Taxidermy for Personal Use
Taxidermy of wildlife for personal use is allowed in certain circumstances and only with prior authorisation from NRE Tas. The activity of preparing and preserving the products of wildlife must be for non-commercial purposes only.
A permit to taxidermy for Personal Use (PTPU) will allow the holder to:
Note:
These products must be legally sourced or obtained from a person who is lawfully authorised to receive or deliver such products of wildlife.
This permit does not authorise any associated buying or selling of products of wildlife.
A holder of a current Commercial Taxidermy Licence does not require additional licences to carry out taxidermy for non-commercial use.
How do I apply?
To apply for a PTPU, please complete the form below and submit to Wildlife Services.
Taxidermy for Personal Use Application Form (PDF 195Kb)
Please read the fact sheet attached to the application form before completing the application and submit to Wildlife Services.
For information regarding requirements for the importation of animal carcasses for taxidermy purposes please go to the Importing Animals into Tasmania webpage.
Delivering and possessing products of wildlife for taxidermy
If you wish to deliver products of partly protected, protected, specially protected or restricted (special purposes) wildlife to the holder of a CTL for the purpose of taxidermy, you will need prior authorisation from NRE Tas.
Applications for the taxidermy of specially protected wildlife will only be issued for individual specimens in the following circumstances:
scientific purposes;
use at educational organisations/facilities;
to a person, business or government body where the applicant can demonstrate that appropriate educational interpretation material relating to conservation of that species will be displayed alongside the specimen; or
to a registered wildlife rehabilitator who will use the specimen for educational purposes
Applications for protected or restricted (special purpose) wildlife will only be issued for individual specimens where:
the applicant can demonstrate that the product of wildlife will or has been lawfully obtained e.g. authorised under a hunting licence, permit, or through the death of a legally possessed animal or purchased through a Tasmanian auction house; or
the product of wildlife has been legally obtained interstate and imported to Tasmania.
How do I apply?
Lodge an Application to Possess Products for Taxidermy by completing the form below and submitting to Wildlife Services.
Application Permit to Possess Products of Wildlife for Taxidermy (PDF 462Kb)
Body Corporate Application Permit to Possess Products of Wildlife for Taxidermy (PDF 470Kb)
If you are already in possession of a previously taxidermied specimen lodge an Application to Possess Products (taxidermied specimens) by completing the form below and submitting to Wildlife Services.
Application SPWP Possess Products of Wildlife (Taxidermied Specimens) (PDF 339Kb)
Body Corporate Application SPWP Possess Products of Wildlife (Taxidermied Specimens) (PDF 299Kb)
Please read the fact sheet attached to the application form before completing the application and submitting to Wildlife Services.