On 1 January 2019, the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2018 replaced the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 and the Sandalwood Act 1929 and their associated regulations. The new licensing regime specifies licences for taking, disturbing, supplying, possessing, processing, dealing, importing and exporting activities in relation to flora and fauna. Transitional arrangements ensure that any current Wildlife Conservation Act or Regulations licences continue to be valid until they expire. When your existing licence expires, an application for renewal will be required.
There are a number of areas of intersection between the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and the Environmental Protection Act 1986. The main areas of intersection and how these are dealt with are set out in this information sheet280.66 KB.
Native flora (including flowers, seeds, whole plants, timber and firewood) is protected in Western Australia.
For information about the licences required to take, supply, process and deal in native flora, see the Fact Sheet - Flora and Native Timber324.78 KB.
The following table specifies the new licence types, and a brief outline for each.
Application forms are available by clicking the relevant attachment in the table. For licence types with no attachment, please contact Wildlife Licensing Section on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (08) 9219 9000 (and select the Wildlife Licensing option).
Licence | Description |
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Take and supply flora from Crown land for commercial purposes |
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Take flora from Crown land for non-commercial purposes (ie. research, education, art and hobby, specimen lodgement) |
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Take flora for inventory work (and obtain specimens for identification purposes) in the provision of environmental consulting services |
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Supply (and possess for the purpose of supply) flora taken lawfully from private property |
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Supply (and possess for the purpose of supply) flora taken lawfully from Crown land |
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To take flora in CALM Act lands (for example national park, nature reserve) |
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Form required to be completed and submitted by flora taking (commercial purposes) licence holders and Private land supplier's licence holders |
Flora dealing licence |
Deal in flora *Dealing exempt under Ministerial order but requirement to keep records for 2 years from date of purchase |
Flora processing licence | Process flora into carved wood, craft wood, wood chips, wood dust, oil, log timber and sawn timber and/or operate a processing establishment |
A person who takes flora for inventory work conducted in the provision of environmental consulting services and obtains specimens for identification purposes associated with this work can do so under a Flora taking (biological assessment) licence.
For more information on the licence requirements, see the Fact Sheet for Environment Consultants262.11 KB.
The harvesting of native flora in Western Australia for commercial purposes is conducted in accordance with the department’s plan, Management of commercial harvesting of protected flora in Western Australia9.37 MB.
A system of licensing, area and species-specific management, and monitoring has been developed to ensure the conservation of flora being harvested. Please note that the application forms within the document are subject to change. Please refer to the list above for the most up-to-date application forms. The plan is also recognised as an approved Wildlife Trade Management Plan under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
The Biodiversity Conservation Regulations provide new licensing arrangements for taking, transporting, supplying, processing, dealing and exporting sandalwood. These licences will be supported by sandalwood tracking forms that will accompany the sandalwood when it is transported from the place of harvest to the processor or dealer and between processors and dealers. These ensure that the legal origin of the sandalwood can be established during transaction, inspections or compliance procedures.
More information can be found in the fact sheet Fact Sheet - Private Land Sandalwood245.51 KB
The Forest Products Commission (FPC) issue contracts to take wild sandalwood from Crown land. The FPC can be contacted on 9363 4600 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
DBCA may issue licences to take wild sandalwood from Crown land in areas where native title has been determined.
If you are interested in applying for a licence to take wild sandalwood from private or Crown land, please contact DBCA’s Wildlife Licensing Section on 9219 9832 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The following table specifies the new licence types, and a brief outline for each.
Please contact Wildlife Licensing Section on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (08) 9219 9836 to obtain copies of the application forms or for any other information.
A Sandalwood Tracking Form (STF) is required to accompany sandalwood when it is being transported from one location to another.
Licence | Description |
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Flora taking (sandalwood) licence | Take sandalwood from private land. Authorises preliminary processing in the field (ie debarking) as well as the supply (sale) of sandalwood |
Flora supplying (sandalwood) licence | Supply (and possess for the purpose of supply) sandalwood taken lawfully from private property or Crown land– including cultivated/plantation sandalwood |
Flora dealing (sandalwood) licence | Deal in (purchase and/or supply) sandalwood – including cultivated/plantation sandalwood |
Flora processing (sandalwood) licence | Processing sandalwood including cultivated/plantation sandalwood and/or operate a processing establishment |
Flora exporting (sandalwood) licence | Exporting flora from WA interstate (does not include direct export overseas – permit required from the Australian Government) |
Flora Licences cannot authorise the taking or disturbing of threatened flora, or the modification of a threatened ecological community (TEC). Taking or disturbing threatened flora requires an authorisation from the Minister for Environment or delegate under section 40 of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.
Following the commencement of the BC Act and Regulations, a Wildlife Licensing and Compliance online system is being developed. Once an applicant has registered in the system, it will allow a person to manage licence requirements under the BC Act and Regulations including apply for available licences, enter and submit return information, and renew licences. The system is passwordless, and to login an email will be sent to a nominated email address with a link to access the system.
As licence types are added to this system, the list below will be updated accordingly. The following licence applications are available online:
Application forms for other fauna licenses are available by clicking the relevant attachment in the table below. For licence types with no attachment, please contact Wildlife Licensing Section on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (08) 9219 9831. For any other information please contact Wildlife Licensing Section.
Licence | Description |
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Take and supply fauna (as fauna product) for commercial purposes |
Fauna taking (commercial purposes) licence | Take (as live fauna) and supply fauna for commercial purposes |
Fauna taking (scientific or other purposes) licence | Take fauna for non-commercial purposes including education, research, study and conservation |
Fauna taking (biological assessment) licence | Take or disturb fauna for inventory work (and obtain specimens for identification purposes) in the provision of environmental consulting services |
Fauna taking (relocation) licence | Take or disturb fauna for the purpose of relocating |
Fauna disturbing (commercial interaction) licence | Disturb fauna for commercial interaction purposes |
Fauna disturbing (other purposes) licence | Disturb fauna for non-commercial purposes including education, research study or conservation, or non-commercial tours |
Fauna disturbing (feeding) licence | Disturb fauna by feeding or luring fauna |
Fauna possessing (display) licence |
Possess fauna to display for conservation or education purposes *Standard or advanced category dependent on species held. |
Fauna possessing (breeding) licence | Possess fauna for the purpose of breeding and supply |
Fauna possessing (other purposes) licence
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Possess fauna for education, conservation study, conservation or rehabilitation purposes |
Fauna posessing (pet keeper's) licence |
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Fauna processing licence | Process fauna and/or operate a processing establishment |
Fauna dealing (general dealer’s) licence | Deal in fauna (dead or alive) |
Fauna dealing (pet dealer’s) licence |
Deal in fauna to be kept as pets *Standard or advanced category dependent on species held. |
In Western Australia, a licence is required to keep reptiles, amphibians and some species of birds as pets. For more information on the licence requirements, see the Fact sheet - Aviculture and Herpetofauna266.21 KB.
Species of fauna that can be kept and under what category licence (Standard or Advanced) are listed in the Pet keeping and dealing list172.00 KB.
Licences are required to deal in reptiles, amphibians and birds for the pet industry. DBCA is not currently accepting applications for new herpetofauna taking licences (Fauna taking (commercial purposes) licence), however existing licensees can renew their licence under the new regime. DBCA is currently establishing a consultative committee to assist the department in the development of relevant policy and practice.
A sick, injured or abandoned native animal must be returned to the wild at the place where it was originally taken if it is capable of fending for itself; or given to a DBCA wildlife officer, a veterinary surgeon or a person who is authorised under a licence to rehabilitate fauna (i.e. the holder of a Fauna possessing (other purposes) licence). This must be done as soon as possible and within 72 hours of finding the sick, injured or abandoned animal.
If you find a sick, injured or abandoned animal and you require advice you should contact the Wildcare Helpline on 9474 9055.
For species listed as threatened or specially protected or penguins, notification must be given to DBCA within 24 hours of taking possession of the animal. This can be done by completing the Injured or Abandoned Fauna Notification Form54.93 KB and emailing it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
More information on how to apply for a licence can be found in the Fact Sheet - Wildlife Rehabilitation256.11 KB.
New arrangements under the regulations ensure that native animals on display are contributing to conservation while ensuring their welfare needs are being met. More information on the licences required is in the fact sheet Fact Sheet -Fauna Display282.74 KB .
A person who takes fauna for inventory work conducted in the provision of environmental consulting services and obtains specimens for identification purposes associated with this work can do so under a Fauna taking (biological assessment) licence.
For more information on the licence requirements, see the Fact Sheet for Environment Consultants262.11 KB.
For more information on the licence requirements, follow this link Fact Sheet - Kangaroos harvest241.65 KB.
There are some species of fauna that can be taken without a licence. For more information on these species, including maps of the areas in which managed fauna can be taken, follow this link :
View Maps (select to view maps below)
Threatened ecological communities (TECs) are ecological communities that are listed in the following categories under section 27 of the Biodiversity Conservation 2016 Act (BC Act):
The Minister lists an ecological community as a threatened ecological community when it is facing risk of becoming eligible for listing as a collapsed ecological community and when deciding whether or not to list, must have regard only to matters relating to the survival of the ecological community. The guidelines for listing of threatened species and ecological communities are published here:
'Modify', in relation to an occurrence of a TEC under section 44 of the BC Act, means to take action that results in:
Modification results from an impact that will permanently alter the species composition and/or the structure of, or will destroy, the occurrence of the TEC.
Yes, under the provisions of the BC Act, significant penalties (up to $500,000 for individuals and $2.5 million for bodies corporate) may apply where a TEC is modified without authorisation. Under section 45 of the BC Act the Minister may authorise a person to modify an occurrence of a TEC
Guidance note section 45 Ministerial authorisation for modification of an occurrence of a threatened ecological community 1.pdf281.50 KB provides guidance on completing an application for an authorisation under the BC Act to modify an occurrence of a TEC. The guidance note is intended to assist people to undertake a self-assessment to decide whether a proposed action is likely to modify an occurrence of a TEC. It contains the information about what modification is, and what information is required to apply for an authorisation. The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) is responsible for reviewing and administering applications for authorisation to modify TECs.
When is an authorisation not required?
An authorisation to modify a TEC is not required if the following exemptions under the Biodiversity Conservation (Exemptions) Order 2018 apply:
You can read these clauses in full by downloading the Biodiversity Conservation (Exemptions) Order 2018 from the Parliamentary Counsel’s Office website.
Application submission
An application for authorisation to modify a TEC must be submitted on the form Application to the Minister for authorisation under section 45 of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016105.25 KB.84.86 KB. There are no fees associated with applying for an authorisation to modify a TEC.
Please submit completed authorisation forms in electronic format by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Alternatively, forward a hard copy form to:
Threatened Ecological Communities Ecologist
Species and Communities Program
Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Locked Bag 104
BENTLEY DELIVERY CENTRE WA 6983
To protect our environment, many plants and animals cannot be brought into Western Australia, even from other Australian states.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) works together with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions to protect our wildlife from commercial exploitation, and from the introduction of exotic pests, diseases and weeds into the state.
Information about the inspections that may be done at the State barrier is available in this document: State barrier animal inspection47.34 KB
If you illegally import animals or plants that are prohibited or restricted they can be seized, and penalties can apply.
A licence is required to import live native fauna and some fauna products into Western Australia. For more information, see the CEO licensing guidelines for importing fauna332.42 KB.
A licence is also required to import exotic birds that are restricted species. For more information, see the section on restricted bird keeping and import permits.
A licence is required to export some fauna products from Western Australia. For more information, see the CEO licensing guidelines for exporting fauna233.57 KB.
The regulations provide for the issue of a licence to keep listed fauna species as pets in Western Australia.
There are no restrictions to bringing in pet cats, dogs and most domesticated animals from other states, although you will have to meet local council regulations, such as pet registration and microchipping and comply with any requirements for crossing the border.
Planning to bring in any pets from interstate into WA?
Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. well before your travel date.
Even if your bird, reptile or frog is licensed in your state, you still need check if it can be imported into and kept in Western Australia.
Western Australia remains relatively free of pests and diseases that adversely affect our agricultural industries and environment. Plants, bulbs, flowers, soil and potting mix can carry pests and diseases that pose a risk, including the possibility of becoming weeds themselves.
Planning to bring in any plants, seeds or bulbs?
Contact the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development well before your travel date.
Contact us for further information on wildlife licensing.
Physical address:Telephone: +61 8 9219 9831
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
DBCA issues restricted bird keeping permits on behalf of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). The application form is below.
For information on the import of restricted birds into WA, please contact DPIRD by phone on 08 9363 4061 or 1800 084 881, or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Licence/Authority | Activity | Information sheets | Application form |
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Restricted keeping permit | Keep exotic birds |
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The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) can grant apiary site permits and licences for the use of beehives on Crown lands. The department can also grant apiary authorities on land vested in the Conservation Commission, subject to consultation with the Commission and the approval of the Minister for Environment. Granting of licences and permits must be in accordance with a management plan for the area. The department also seeks the approval of other government agencies when applications are received for the placement of beehives on land not managed by the department.
Apiary authorities can be issued for a term of one year, three years, five years or seven years depending on the land tenure. Stringent environmental conditions ensure compliance with the department's management requirements, water catchment guidelines, dieback control, fire prevention and native vegetation clearing.
Apiary application forms and information
Anyone operating a commercial business or offering educational services for private benefit (profit) in areas managed by DBCA will require a Commercial Operations Licence.
This not only includes tourism and recreational related products, but also services such as the supply of transport, information, instruction, supervision and the sale of goods Regulation 2).
Commercial operations licence application forms
Any photographer taking images or footage for commercial purposes on lands managed by the DBCA must obtain the department's permission. Non-commercial/private photography does not normally require lawful authority.
Commercial filming permit forms