Biodiversity Conservation Regulations licences

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. 

 

Flora licences

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).

Flora Licences

Licence	Description
Regulation 60 Flora taking (commercial purposes) Crown land licence220.36 KB	Take and supply flora from Crown land for commercial purposes
Regulation 61 Flora taking (other purposes) Crown land licence259.32 KB	Take flora from Crown land for non-commercial purposes (ie. research, education, art and hobby, specimen lodgement)
Regulation 62 Flora taking (biological assessment) licence272.24 KB	Take flora for inventory work (and obtain specimens for identification purposes) in the provision of environmental consulting services
Regulation 63 Private land supplier’s licence277.82 KB	Supply (and possess for the purpose of supply) flora taken lawfully from private property
Regulation 64 Crown land supplier’s licence209.75 KB	Supply (and possess for the purpose of supply) flora taken lawfully from Crown land
Regulation 4 Authority form (CALM Act lands/waters)382.02 KB	To take flora in CALM Act lands (for example national park, nature reserve)
Three Monthly Return of Protected Flora form686.89 KB	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

Biological flora surveys

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.

Management of commercial harvesting of protected flora in Western Australia (1 July 2018 – 30 June 2023)

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.

Sandalwood licences

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.

• Download the Sandalwood Tracking Form 173.44 KB

Sandalwood licences

Licence	Description
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)

Threatened Flora Authorisations

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.

Fauna licences

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.

 

 

 

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Licences to keep reptiles, amphibians and birds as pets

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.

• CEO licensing guideline – Fauna possessing (pet keeper’s)493.33 KB
• CEO licensing guideline – Fauna dealing (pet dealer’s)491.26 KB

Licences for fauna rehabilitation

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.

Licences to display fauna

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 .

• CEO licensing guideline – Fauna possessing (display)628.53 KB

Biological fauna surveys

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.

Commercial kangaroo harvest

For more information on the licence requirements, follow this link Fact Sheet - Kangaroos harvest241.65 KB.

Managed fauna

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)

Authorisation to modify a threatened ecological community

 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):

• critically endangered, or
• endangered, or
• vulnerable.

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:

Nominations for listing (and delisting) of threatened plants, animals and ecological communities - Parks and Wildlife Service (dpaw.wa.gov.au)

What is modification?

'Modify', in relation to an occurrence of a TEC under section 44 of the BC Act, means to take action that results in:

1. the modification of the occurrence of the TEC to such an extent that the occurrence is unlikely to recover:
   1. its species composition or structure; or
   2. its species composition and structure; or
2. the destruction of the occurrence of the TEC.

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.

Do I need to apply for authorisation to modify a threatened ecological community?

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:

• Clause 3: Existing authorities to modify occurrence of threatened ecological community This clause exempts landowners and occupiers from requiring an authority to modify a TEC under section 48 of the BC Act where an existing authority is already in force when this section of the Act comes into operation. Activities must be carried out in accordance with conditions to which the existing authority is subject, and any clearing permit required under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 must be obtained.
• Clause 7: Bush fire mitigation and suppression activities This clause was added to the Biodiversity Conservation (Exemptions) Order 2018 following gazettal of the Biodiversity Conservation (Exemptions) Amendment Order 2021. It exempts landowners and occupiers who are undertaking specified bushfire mitigation activities on land not managed by DBCA from the requirement for an authorisation to modify a threatened ecological community under section 48 of the BC Act under certain conditions. For more information see Fire information notes | Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (dbca.wa.gov.au).

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

Bringing plants and animals into Western Australia

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. 

Import licences

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.

Export licences

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.

Pet animals

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.

Plants

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 details

Contact us for further information on wildlife licensing.

Physical address: 
17 Dick Perry Avenue
Technology Park, Western Precinct
KENSINGTON WA 6151

Postal address: 
Wildlife Licensing Section
Locked Bag 30
Bentley Delivery Centre WA 6983
Australia

Telephone: +61 8 9219 9831
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Other licences and authorities

Restricted bird keeping and importing

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..

Beekeeping (apiary) licences

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

Commercial Operations Licences

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

Commercial filming lawful authority

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