Localization

Australia​

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Threats

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• Annual and perennial non-timber crops

• Livestock farming and ranching

• Invasive, non-native and alien species

• Diseases (known and unknown)

• Droughts

 

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Population

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• Common wombat (Vombatus ursinus) : stable

• Northern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus krefftii​) : stable

• Southern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons) : decreasing​

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Trade

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Internet :

• Australia: EPBC Act plus Biosecurity Act make online wombat trading illegal without proper import/export permits.

• Victoria: “Advanced wildlife licence” users may advertise wombats online via socials or Gumtree legislation.gov.au+4parliament.vic.gov.au+4dcceew.gov.au+4.

• South Australia: Online listings for burrow destruction or wombat pups without permit would violate NPW Act.

• U.S./UK: Online sales subject to exotic-pet licensing and dangerous animal laws (state/county-based).

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Australia :​​​

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)

Australia has strict regulations for importing and exporting household pets, focusing on native and exotic species.​

1. Native Pets:

   • The export of live native animals is highly regulated to protect Australian wildlife.

   • Certain native pets, like cockatoos and budgerigars, can be taken abroad under strict conditions, such as non-commercial purposes and limited numbers.

   • Owners must prove residency, ownership, and intention to permanently relocate overseas.

2. Exotic Pets:

   • Defined as non-native species, exotic pets are subject to import restrictions under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and Biosecurity Act 2015.

   • Only species on the "Live Import List" are permitted.

   • Illegally imported animals are prohibited, and offenders may face fines or imprisonment.

3. Wildlife Trade Permits:

   • Permits are needed for native and exotic pet trade, especially for species listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

Australia’s regulations aim to protect its environment, prevent disease, and ensure humane treatment of animals.

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Federal :

• Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)

  • Governs all international trade in native wildlife, including wombats.

  • Export/import without permit is illegal (since 1999) 

• EPBC Regulations 2001

  • Regulation 9A.10: Non-commercial live exports for education (e.g., wombats) require an “Ambassador Agreement” among exporter, importer, and department.

  • Regulation 9A.12: Permits for non-commercial conservation breeding of listed species (including wombats).

• Biosecurity Act 2015

  • Controls entry of live animals; may affect internet-facilitated imports

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State/Territory :

Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992 Current as at 1 September 2024

1. Ownership of Protected Wildlife:

   • Protected animals and plants are generally owned by the State.

   • Ownership can transfer to individuals through licenses, permits, or conservation plans.

   • Progeny of protected animals or plants often belong to the parent owner.

   • Animals or plants that become protected due to new regulations remain the owner’s property unless specified otherwise.

2. Liability and Rights:

   • The State is not liable for incidents involving protected species.

   • Existing property rights before wildlife becomes protected are preserved.

3. Restrictions on Activities:

   • Taking, keeping, or using protected animals without authorization can result in significant penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

   • Certain exemptions apply, such as unintentional harm or cultural practices by Indigenous peoples.

4. Special Restrictions:

   • Dugongs and Marine Turtles: Selling or distributing these animals or their derivatives in commercial food premises is prohibited.

   • Flying Foxes: Destroying, disturbing, or relocating their roosts is restricted unless specifically authorized.

The laws aim to balance conservation efforts with individual ownership rights and impose severe penalties for unauthorized activities to protect biodiversity and promote responsible wildlife management.

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Victoria

• Wildlife Act 1975

  • Allows private ownership only under "advanced wildlife licence" (date unspecified; still current).

  • Critiqued in March 19, 2025 Legislative Council debate for lax vetting; wombat pet trade is legal under permit.

• Status Post-Outrage (2020)

  • Following media coverage of wombat hunts (“high-roller” hunts), Victoria became the last Australian state to ban recreational wombat hunting (circa Feb 2020).

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South Australia

• National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 (amended June 2023)

  • Now prohibits damaging, disturbing, or destroying wombat burrows without permit.

  • Wombats themselves are protected; harming or killing requires a permit.

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Western Australia

• Example: 2019 case—Kalgoorlie woman fined under animal cruelty laws for keeping an orphan wombat (fine A$6,000)

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Japan and other countries :

Varying exotic-species laws; many allow wombats with permits or no regulation (e.g., Japan, Argentina).

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United Kingdom :​

Non-native; governed by:

• Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976: requires licensing.

• Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981: protects native wildlife; borrowed analogy from wombat—not directly applicable.

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United States :​

Species not native; subject to state exotic-pet regulations. According to secondary sources (e.g., BerryPatch farms):

• Some states allow with permit (e.g., Alabama, South Carolina, Wisconsin).

• Others ban wombat ownership entirely (e.g., California).

• Dangerous Wild Animals or equivalent laws may apply.

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Rules through the United States :

1. Alabama: Restrictions on exotic animals like giant snails, bobcats, and venomous reptiles unless permitted before 2021. No release of non-native animals without a license.

2. Alaska: Broad restrictions on wildlife, including wolf hybrids and chimpanzees. Some pets, like ferrets, are legal without a permit.

3. Arizona: Extensive restrictions require permits for many species like primates, foxes, and Gila monsters. Permits are issued for specific purposes like education.

4. Arkansas: Large carnivores and primates are restricted unless permitted before set years. Some venomous reptiles are allowed with permits, and up to six captive-bred animals like raccoons can be owned without a permit.

5. California: Prohibits most wild animals, including bears and primates, but allows hybrids like Savannah cats.

6. Colorado: Most exotic animals like primates and raccoons are banned, but hedgehogs and sugar gliders are allowed without permits.

7. Connecticut: Prohibits dangerous animals like bears and wolves. Limited ownership of primates allowed under specific conditions.

8. Delaware: Requires permits for exotic animals; no comprehensive list of banned animals is provided.

9. District of Columbia: Only common domestic pets like cats, dogs, and some birds are allowed. Exotic species are banned.

10. Florida: Animals categorized into Classes I-III, with varying permit requirements. Non-dangerous animals like ferrets are exempt.

11. Georgia: Strict permitting for wild animals like kangaroos and venomous snakes, while ferrets and sugar gliders are allowed under specific conditions.

12. Hawaii: Most exotic animals, including hedgehogs and ferrets, are banned. A limited number of domesticated animals are permitted.

13. Idaho: Prohibits animals harmful to agriculture, like wild boars and large cats. Llamas and guinea pigs are allowed without permits.

14. Illinois: Restricts dangerous animals like large cats and wolves to organizations. Existing primates are allowed if registered.

15. Indiana: Allows exotic animal ownership with permits for different classes, from squirrels to large predators.

16. Iowa: Restricts dangerous wild animals unless permitted before 2007. Hybrids of domestic species are allowed.

17. Kansas: Limits ownership of regulated animals like large cats, bears, and venomous snakes to approved facilities.

18. Kentucky: Bans inherently dangerous animals like primates and bears. Some permits available for non-dangerous species.

19. Louisiana: Requires permits for large snakes and prohibits endangered or dangerous species like bears and wolves.

20. Maine: Broad restrictions on exotic pets like giraffes and kangaroos. Some exotic animals like coati are permitted.

21. Maryland: Prohibits dangerous animals like primates and large cats unless registered before 2006.

22. Massachusetts: Strict restrictions on endangered species and venomous reptiles. Ferrets allowed under specific conditions.

23. Michigan: Restricts ownership of non-native species like large cats. Permits are available for captive-bred wildlife.

24. Minnesota: Prohibits regulated animals like large cats unless registered before 2005.

25. Mississippi: Requires liability insurance for permits to own inherently dangerous animals like elephants and primates.

26. Missouri: Requires registration of dangerous reptiles and mammals with law enforcement.

27. Montana: Requires annual permits for wild animals like large cats and bears. Many small exotics are legal without permits.

28. Nebraska: Captive wildlife permits needed for most wild animals, excluding certain species like skunks and bears.

29. Nevada: Relatively lenient, banning certain species like alligators but allowing primates and large cats.

30. New Hampshire: Controlled species like armadillos and cougars require permits.

31. New Jersey: Permits required for many species, including ferrets and primates. Some small animals are exempt.

32. New Mexico: Regulates zoonotic disease carriers like skunks and raccoons; local laws may impose additional restrictions.

33. New York: Prohibits most wild animals and hybrids; fines imposed for violations.

34. North Carolina: Exotic pet laws vary by county or city; no statewide restrictions.

35. North Dakota: Dangerous or hazardous animals like zebras and primates require licenses.

36. Ohio: Strict laws after a 2011 incident, banning dangerous wild animals like tigers and bears without permits.

37. Oklahoma: Permits required for venomous reptiles, while many exotic animals are exempt from regulation.

38. Oregon: Prohibits wild cat species and large predators; permits available for service monkeys.

39. Pennsylvania: Exotic wildlife permits required for animals like lions, wolves, and venomous snakes.

40. Rhode Island: Only specific organizations can own wild carnivores like lions and tigers.

41. South Carolina: Restricts large cats and apes unless registered by 2018.

42. South Dakota: Permits required for most exotic animals, with specific rules for raccoon dogs.

43. Tennessee: Classifies animals by risk level, requiring permits for certain classes.

44. Texas: Requires a certificate of registration for dangerous wild animals like wild cats and primates.

45. Utah: Controlled, noncontrolled, and prohibited animals require different levels of permitting.

46. Vermont: Requires permits for exotic animals not on the unrestricted list.

47. Virginia: Exotic animals like wild cats and crocodiles require permits.

48. Washington: Prohibits dangerous animals like bears and venomous snakes.

49. West Virginia: Requires permits with strict conditions for keeping wild animals.

50. Wisconsin: Requires licenses for wild animals, but some, like opossums and ground squirrels, are exempt.

51. Wyoming: Requires permits for most wildlife unless specifically exempted.

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Highlights:

• Stringent Restrictions: Hawaii, California, and New York are among the strictest states.

• Lenient Laws: Indiana and Nevada allow more exotic animals with fewer restrictions.

• Common Prohibitions: Dangerous animals like large cats, bears, primates, and venomous reptiles are frequently restricted.

• Permits: Most states offer permits for special cases like education or scientific purposes.