Proposed Herp Categories

Ron Dencio
Animal Technologist
Monaro Amphibian & Reptile Keepers
Canberra ACT

CATEGORY A refers to captive-bred animals that can be kept by individuals with no prior experience in keeping such animals. These include species considered relatively easy to maintain, regularly bred in captivity and suited to the Canberra climate (discussions about the term Canberra climate - consider rewording to "adapt readily to…).

• exempt reptiles under the Nature Conservation Act obtained from a legal source
• easy to keep and maintain, regularly breed in captivity and suited to the ACT environment
• no restrictions on trading
• venomous reptiles are prohibited

Pre-keeping requirements

• nil
• strongly advise reference to associated literature, reptile association or experienced keeper

Species covered - Category A

CATEGORY B includes species of captive-bred animals which may be held for hobby purposes by experienced amateurs with at least two years experience in keeping one or more species from a family in Category A (or can demonstrate relevant experience/knowledge. Able to demonstrate for each species or keep one species from Category B for 6 months prior to applying for another Cat B species).

• reptiles which require some specialised husbandry skills and are more difficult to maintain
• not necessarily adapted to the ACT environment
• disposal of any Category B animal will require the approval of the Conservator of Flora and Fauna
• venomous reptiles are prohibited

Pre-keeping requirements

• must be 15 years of age or over
• must have had experience in keeping one or more of the Category A animals for at least 2 years

Species covered - Category B

CATEGORY C refers to captive-bred animals suitable for keeping for hobby purposes for highly experienced herpetologists. Applicants must have at least one year experience with keeping Category B species and two years experience at keeping Category A species.

• includes species of captive bred animals which require very specialised husbandry skills and are difficult to maintain
• require an experienced keeper
• not necessarily adapted to the ACT environment
• disposal of any Category C animal will require the approval of the Conservator or Flora and Fauna
• venomous reptiles are prohibited where no commercial antivenin is available
• venomous reptiles must be kept in very secure facilities
• venomous reptiles will be required to have at least one set of warning signs placed at entrances to the area where the reptiles are housed

Pre-keeping requirements

• must be 18 years of age or over
• must have had experience in keeping one or more of the Category A animals for 2 years
• must have had experience in keeping one or more of the Category B animals for at least 1 year
• must provide two written references from people who can attest to the applicant's ability, knowledge and experience in the handling of venomous snakes. These referees must hold a licence to keep Category C animals or be a recognised herpetologist
• where an applicant is moving to the ACT and importing Category C animals - consideration will be given to prior keeping experience and relevant State/Territory licences

Species covered - Category C

CATEGORY D (Education, Scientific or Special application)

• eligible to have reptiles from Category A - C, meeting the necessary pre-requisites of any category. Except if restrictions indicated.
• eligible to have animals from Category D (Special application), meeting the necessary pre-requisites of that application. Except if restrictions indicated
• animals must be kept in a recognised facility. Or if kept by an employee of that facility at a private residence, must be kept with the knowledge and written approval of the facility. Plus have a scientific or educational project approval by the Conservator of Flora and Fauna
• animals must be kept in accordance with an animal welfare ethics committee approval
• venomous reptiles are not permitted for educational purposes
• approval to take non venomous or venomous reptiles from the wild may be granted for scientific purposes
• approval to take non venomous or venomous reptiles from the wild, for limited periods, may be granted for making photographic records for educational or scientific purposes
• approval to present or exhibit live captive specimens at reptile group meetings for educational or husbandry purposes,without an individual educational authorisation, will be granted as required.

(Special Application)

• the purpose of this sub-category is to deal with applications not considered under any other category. These can be for unlisted species or special circumstances
• applicants for a Category D (Special application) licence must hold a Category C licence or be able to establish that the species should be in a lesser category
• the onus within this category is for the applicant to prove beyond doubt that all aspects of their application is technically sound, conservationally ethical and justified

Monaro Amphibian & Reptile Keepers (MARK)
Meeting Venue: BURNS CLUB
8 Kett St., Kambah ACT
2nd Wednesday of each month at 7:30pm

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