Within Australia there are complicated rules and regulations governing the keeping of native wildlife as pets. These vary from state to state. Recent proposals to allow the keeping of native animals as pets have sparked a fierce debate between those who support the idea and those who strongly oppose it.
The case for native wildlife as pets
Some of the benefits of allowing people to keep natives as pets are: Australians would no longer be separated from native animals and their environments. It would help to save some animals from extinction and contribute towards people’s understanding of them. It would contribute to the development of a broader knowledge base for the dietary and care requirements of native animals. Native animals are kinder to the environment and, unlike cats and dogs, will not destroy other native animals if they escape captivity.
The case against native wildlife as pets
Opponents of the idea are concerned that: Some native animals are simply not suitable for domestication. Existing animal welfare problems would increase. Many Australian native animals have complex and highly specialised dietary requirements, which ordinary homeowners would find difficult to provide.
Which native animals make good pets?
Ben Luxton, Vertebrate Biologist at the University of South Australia, has first hand knowledge when it comes to keeping a range of native animals. He thinks that some native wildlife make better pets than others do, and it depends on what you want from a pet. Most native animals won’t rush to the door to welcome you home, but many bond well with people and some show affection. Reptiles and birds are particularly suitable, as well as some mammals. Ben recommends Green Tree Frogs, Bearded Dragons and other large skinks, Hopping Mice and Pythons. He says that although Flying Foxes are a bit smelly, they are very loving and affectionate and make great pets. He does not recommend Hairy Nosed Wombats, as they often bite as adults. They also have no reverse gear, and tend to dig up the carpets and put holes in the walls. He also would not recommend keeping any of the venomous snakes as pets.
Contact information
Laws regulating the keeping of native animals as pets vary from state to state within Australia. For more information, contact the authority in your state.
NSW
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
Phone: (02) 9585 6406 – Licensing section
QLD
Department of Environment & Heritage – Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service
Phone: (07) 3202 0200 for nearest local office
NT
Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory
Phone: (08) 8999 4795
SA
Department for Environment, Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs
Phone: (08) 8204 8706
Website: www.wildlifepermit.sa.gov.au
TAS
Parks and Wildlife Service of Tasmania
Phone: (03) 6233 6556 – Nature Conservation Branch
VIC
Department of Natural Resources and Environment
Phone: (03) 9412 4992 – Licensing Unit (9am to 12noon, Mon to Fri)
WA
Department of Conservation and Land Management
Phone: (08) 9334 0441 – Licensing