A NSW Government website
Environment and Heritage
Environment and Heritage

Wildlife management

Native animals are protected in New South Wales. We undertake and oversee the management of wildlife populations to ensure they are sustainably harvested and appropriately cared for when traded or relocated.

A kangaroo in front of the perfect wave on Pebbly Beach in Murramarang National Park
Image Credit: Michael Jarman/DCCEEW
Kangaroo jumping through water, Macquarie Marshes Nature Reserve
Kangaroo management

The main goal of kangaroo management in New South Wales is conservation. Native animals are protected in New South Wales under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. It is an offence to harm, or to buy or sell kangaroos for commercial purposes, without a licence.

A tiny possum sits on a branch surrounded by wattle flowers and seed pods. The possum is about as long as the seed pods.
Wildlife policies and guidelines

Our policies, guidelines and codes of practice cover many aspects of the management and protection of our wildlife.

Stranded young adult humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) Sawtell Beach
Management of deceased whales

The National Parks and Wildlife Service provides a central advisory service for the whale migrations season.

A grey-headed flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus) roosting in a tree
Flying-fox management

We oversee the conservation and effective and humane management of flying-foxes in New South Wales.