You will need this licence to:
- process protected native animal carcasses for preservation, such as by taxidermy, bone articulation or wet preservation
- preserve specimens by cryopreservation or dealing in specimens that have been subject to a cryopreservation process
- keep specimens of some native animals not covered by the Protected Animal Specimens Code of Practice.
Taxidermist licence holders are also authorised to sell protected animal specimens that they have taxidermied or possess to someone with the appropriate authority to hold preserved protected animal specimens. There is a maximum of 5 transactions (buying or selling of protected animal specimens) per 12-month period.
Licences to conduct taxidermy on threatened species or birds of prey, marine animals and sea turtles will only be issued for legitimate scientific or educational purposes, such as to keep at a school or other educational facility.
Licensees must only acquire carcasses and unpreserved specimens of protected animals intended for preservation from:
- animals found dead that weren't harmed by a person (including captured, injured or killed)
- persons or organisations authorised to possess animals which they did not harm
- persons licensed or persons authorised by the Protected Animal Specimens Code of Practice to possess preserved protected animals.
Removing and preserving any animal or animal part from a national park or nature reserve without authorisation is illegal.
No licence is required to hold specimens or carry out taxidermy on non-native animals such as foxes, pigs or goats.
