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Wildlife trade and conservation

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Wildlife trade and conservation

Australia's unique plants and animals are known throughout the world and are an important part of our natural heritage. The Australian Government recognises the inherent value of our native species and the need to ensure their continued survival.

Regulation of international movement (exports and imports) of wildlife and wildlife products is an important element of effective nature conservation.

In addition to protecting native species, the Australian Government reinforces the efforts of other countries to protect their wildlife by regulating trade in those species identified under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

As well as contributing to the international cooperative conservation effort, these controls also complement the wildlife conservation efforts of Australian States and Territories.

International movement of wildlife and wildlife products is regulated under Part 13A of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 for all wildlife, including cetaceans. The Act regulates the:

• export of Australian native species other than those identified as exempt;
• export and import of species included in the Appendices to CITES; and
• import of live plants and animals that (if they became established in Australia) could adversely affect native species or their habitats.

Commercial export of regulated wildlife and wildlife products may occur only where the specimens have been derived from an approved source (captive breeding program, artificial propagation program, aquaculture program, wildlife trade management operation, or wildlife management plan). CITES Appendix II species that are declared specimens may only be imported commercially if they have been artificially propagated or bred in captivity (source codes¹ A, C or D), or if the operation from which they were sourced is has been approved as a Commercial Import Program (CIP).

Regulated wildlife may also be exported or imported if it is for an eligible non-commercial purpose. Eligible non-commercial purposes include research, education, exhibition, conservation breeding or propagation, a household pet, a personal item or for a travelling exhibition. Strict conditions must be met to qualify as one of these eligible purposes.

The Australian Government is also actively involved in conservation activities related to listed threatened species, migratory species and some non-listed species where there is a requirement for coordinated action with the Australian States and Territories.

For general information about wildlife trade and conservation contact the Community Information Unit on email ciu@environment.gov.au or at 1800 803 772.