Scientific purposes
General information
In Queensland, a scientific purposes permit issued under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (PDF)* may be required to take, use or keep protected wildlife for the purposes of scientific research.
A scientific purposes permit is not needed to keep or use a part of a protected animal or plant for a genuine scientific or educational purpose where the part was obtained from another person who keeps the animal or plant under a licence or permit in Queensland or another state.
The applicant will need to demonstrate that the primary purpose of obtaining the scientific purposes permit is a genuine scientific purpose and, where the application involves the taking of protected wildlife, that it is reasonably necessary that the animal be taken from the wild.
Guidelines and policies
Please read the information below to find out how to apply for a permit to carry out this type of activity. The information sheet includes details about fees.
You can also read the legislation online by visiting the Office of Queensland Parliamentary Counsel website.
Information sheet: Scientific research and educational purposes permits (PDF, 67K)*
Pre-design conference service
The department offers a service to guide applicants through the assessment process. The service includes meeting with a departmental project manager to discuss the information that must be provided with your application.
This service can be initiated by contacting Permit and Licence Management or by email at palm@derm.qld.gov.au or completing a Pre-design conference application form. If a meeting is required to discuss your application in more detail, a departmental officer will contact you directly.
Permits and approvals
To apply for this type of permit, you need to lodge a completed application form.
Forms and fees
Before downloading an application form, please contact Permit and Licence Management or email palm@derm.qld.gov.au for assistance. You will be put in contact with a regional officer who will advise you on how best to complete your application.
Scientific purposes permit report (Word, 269K)‡
Application form: Scientific research and educational purposes permits (Word, 440K)‡
Wildlife data return (Excel, 187K)‡
Guideline: Wildlife Management wildlife data return (PDF, 147K)*
* Requires Adobe Reader
‡ Requires Microsoft Office files viewer
Last updated 9 June 2011