In Queensland you generally need a wildlife licence to keep native reptiles - and importantly, there are no exempt reptile or amphibian species, so a licence is required regardless of the species you keep. This is a general overview only; always confirm the current rules, species lists and conditions with the Queensland Government before buying an animal.
Licence types
Queensland offers three recreational wildlife licence levels, depending on how many animals you want to keep and what you intend to do:
- Standard licence - up to 10 Class 1 (easier-to-keep) animals. No Class 2 animals, no breeding, and trading is restricted for six months after acquiring an animal. Online record keeping is required, and dangerous snakes are not permitted.
- Specialised licence - up to 50 Class 1 and Class 2 amphibians, birds and reptiles at any time, and you may let them breed provided you stay under the 50-animal limit.
- Advanced licence - unlimited Class 1 and Class 2 animals, plus unlimited protected scorpions and spiders.
Your responsibilities
- Only buy from, or sell to, appropriately licensed keepers and dealers.
- Keep accurate records of the animals you acquire, sell or that die (online record keeping applies).
- Check whether the species you want is Class 1 or Class 2, and that your licence level covers it.
- Provide correct housing, heating, lighting and diet - see our care sheets for each species.
Where to apply & check the current rules
Apply for and read the full conditions of a recreational wildlife licence on the Queensland Government website:
- Recreational wildlife licence - species list
- Keeping native animals in Queensland
- Types of wildlife licences
Requirements can change - the Queensland Government website is always the authoritative source. The team at Nicks Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium is happy to point you in the right direction.