Keeping protected and prohibited wildlife

All native wildlife in the Northern Territory (NT) is protected.

You need a permit to keep protected or prohibited wildlife in captivity in the NT.

Prohibited wildlife includes any Australian native animal that is not indigenous to the NT, such as a wombat.

This also includes plants and animals as well as deceased animals and parts of an individual such as skulls and seeds. There are some exemptions.

Before you apply for a permit

Before you apply, you must:

• buy the animal from a lawful source - this is a person, pet shop or breeder that has a current permit to keep and trade wildlife
• attach proof of purchase to your application - this can be a receipt or proof of sale docket
• allow at least 5 working days for processing your application and for a permit to be issued, if approved.

After buying your pet, you must apply for a permit within 7 days of receiving the sales receipt.

This permit can't be transferred if you give the animal away.

How to apply for a permit

To apply, follow these steps.

Step 1. Fill in the application for a permit to keep protected or prohibited wildlife.

Permit to keep protected or prohibited wildlife DOCX (71.0 KB)
Permit to keep protected or prohibited wildlife PDF (207.4 KB)

Step 2. Attach proof of purchase.

Step 3. Submit your application to the permits and concession office in Parks and Wildlife.

How to renew your permit

If you want to renew your permit, you must provide a return notice.

Current permit holders must do this by 15 February 2024. If you don't, your permit will cease on its expiry date.

For more information, read section 57 of the Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1976.

To renew your permit, follow these steps.

Step 1. Fill in the return notice.

Return notice for protected wildlife and prohibited entrants DOCX (67.6 KB)
Return notice for protected wildlife and prohibited entrants PDF (184.1 KB)

Step 2. Attach sale receipts (if any).

Step 3. Submit notice with supporting documents:

• using online form
• via email to pwpermits@nt.gov.au
• by mail to:
  Permits Office
  Parks and Wildlife Commission of the NT
  PO Box 496
  Palmerston NT 0831