Protected Species Legislation

The plants and animals in the Protected Species Order 2012 are classified as critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable as per the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. 

A license is required under the Protected Species Act 2003 to undertake any research pertaining to protected species. 

The level these species are placed in refers to the level of protection they are afforded.  

LEVEL 1

• A high level of expertise is required for each stage of recovery
• Optimal strategy for recovery of the species involves licensed researchers only
• No community involvement is permitted in the conservation of the species

LEVEL 2

• A medium level of expertise is required for each stage of recovery. 
• Optimal strategy for recovery of the species involves licensed researchers and individuals holding permits. 
• Community involvement in the conservation of the species is restricted to individuals holding permits. 

LEVEL 3

• A low level of expertise is required for each stage of recovery
• Optimal strategy for recovery of the species involves the general community
• General community involvement is permitted in the conservation of the species