STANDARDS & GUIDELINES FOR BEST PRACTICE TRADING IN ... · S&G – Trading in Reptiles & Amphibians – August 2016 P a g e | 9 Reptile and Amphibian Housing & Husbandry Introduction

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STANDARDS & GUIDELINES

FOR BEST PRACTICE TRADING IN

REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS

S&G – Trading in Reptiles & Amphibians – August 2016

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface ..............................................................................................................................................................................................6

Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................................................7

Reptile & Amphibian Housing & Husbandry .....................................................................................................................................9

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................................9

WHS ..............................................................................................................................................................................................9

Security .........................................................................................................................................................................................9

Sourcing Animals ........................................................................................................................................................................10

Sale of Animals ...........................................................................................................................................................................10

Transportation............................................................................................................................................................................10

Behaviour ...................................................................................................................................................................................10

Behavioural Enrichment .............................................................................................................................................................10

Reptile and amphibian physical needs .......................................................................................................................................11

Reptile and amphibian behavioural needs .................................................................................................................................11

Enclosures/Housing ....................................................................................................................................................................11

Indoor Enclosures .......................................................................................................................................................................12

Reptile Housing ..........................................................................................................................................................................12

Venomous Snakes ...........................................................................................................................................................................12

Food and water ..........................................................................................................................................................................13

Suitable water and food dishes ..................................................................................................................................................13

Storage of Foods.........................................................................................................................................................................14

Presentation of foods .................................................................................................................................................................14

Captive Diets ...................................................................................................................................................................................14

Frogs...........................................................................................................................................................................................14

Turtles ........................................................................................................................................................................................14

Lizards ........................................................................................................................................................................................14

Snakes ........................................................................................................................................................................................15

Crocodiles ...................................................................................................................................................................................15

Vitamin and mineral supplements ............................................................................................................................................15

Outdoor Enclosures ........................................................................................................................................................................15

Health Care and Record Keeping ....................................................................................................................................................16

Hygiene ...........................................................................................................................................................................................16

Waste ..............................................................................................................................................................................................16

Veterinary Care ...............................................................................................................................................................................16

Euthanasia ......................................................................................................................................................................................17

Lighting ...........................................................................................................................................................................................17

Hospital and Quarantine Facilities ..................................................................................................................................................18


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Zoonotic Diseases ...........................................................................................................................................................................18

Minimum Enclosure Standards for Reptiles & Amphibians Pt 1 .....................................................................................................20

Snakes ........................................................................................................................................................................................20

Venomous Snakes ......................................................................................................................................................................24

Lizards ........................................................................................................................................................................................28

Geckos ........................................................................................................................................................................................29

Skinks ..........................................................................................................................................................................................31

Dragons ......................................................................................................................................................................................34

Monitors .....................................................................................................................................................................................36

Legless Lizards ............................................................................................................................................................................38

Freshwater Turtles .....................................................................................................................................................................39

Frogs ...........................................................................................................................................................................................41

Crocodiles ...................................................................................................................................................................................42

Reptile and Amphibian Outdoor Enclosure Recommendations .....................................................................................................44

Snakes ........................................................................................................................................................................................45

Geckos ........................................................................................................................................................................................46

Skinks ..........................................................................................................................................................................................48

Dragons ......................................................................................................................................................................................49

Monitors .....................................................................................................................................................................................51

Legless Lizards ............................................................................................................................................................................54

Turtles ........................................................................................................................................................................................55

Reptile and Amphibian Enclosure Recommendations Pt 2 .............................................................................................................57

Snakes ........................................................................................................................................................................................57

Venomous Snakes ......................................................................................................................................................................58

Lizards ........................................................................................................................................................................................58

Freshwater Turtles .....................................................................................................................................................................59

Frogs ...........................................................................................................................................................................................60

Crocodiles ...................................................................................................................................................................................60

Reptile and Amphibian Outdoor Enclosure Recommendations .....................................................................................................61

Snakes ........................................................................................................................................................................................61

Geckos ........................................................................................................................................................................................61

Skinks ..........................................................................................................................................................................................61

Dragons ......................................................................................................................................................................................62

Monitors .....................................................................................................................................................................................62

Legless Lizards ............................................................................................................................................................................62

Turtles ........................................................................................................................................................................................63

Reptiles and Amphibians on the States and Territories of Aust Trading List ..................................................................................64

Appendix 1 – States & Territories of Aust Reptile & Amphibian Licencing Systems .......................................................................68


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Appendix 2 – Reptile Specimen Card ..............................................................................................................................................71

Appendix 3 – Reptile and Speciment Food & Slough Chart ............................................................................................................72

Appendix 4 – Stock Movements .....................................................................................................................................................73

Bibliography ....................................................................................................................................................................................75


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Disclaimer

The information contained in this publication are the Standards & Guidelines for Best Practice (SGBP)

defined by the Pet Industry Association of Australia (PIAA). Users are reminded that compliance with these

Standards & Guidelines is a requirement of Membership of the PIAA.

New versions of these Standards & Guidelines may be issued from time to time. It is the responsibility of

users to ensure the version of the Standards & Guidelines for Best Practice on which they rely is current by

checking it is the latest version available on the PIAA website.

Compliance

Compliance of the Association’s National Code, Standards & Guidelines for Best Practice does not remove

the need to abide by the requirements of all local, state and commonwealth legislation and codes of

practice including the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Acts and any other laws such as Local Government

Acts and National Parks and Wildlife Acts in all states and territories.


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Preface

The Pet Industry Association (PIAA) Standards & Guidelines for Best Practice – Trading in Reptiles and

Amphibians outline the principles that every Association member involved in the trading of reptiles and

amphibians must use to protect the welfare of the animals in their care. By adhering to the Standards &

Guidelines for Best Practice people involved in this industry are demonstrating to the general community

their concern for the welfare of the animals in their care.

When humans manipulate or limit an animal’s choices in relation to its physical or social environment, the

welfare of that animal must be considered. Humans have a duty of care towards these animals, and the

greater the level of control of an animal or intervention with its environment the greater the

responsibilities become.

Animal welfare can be thought of as the way an animal’s health, safety and wellbeing are affected by its

physical and social environment. Health and behaviour indicators provide information about how an animal

is responding to a situation, thus enabling us to make informed decisions relating to the animal’s welfare.


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Introduction

Introduction

In the last 20 years there has been a significant increase in the keeping of reptiles and

amphibians in captivity in Australia. The following is an overview of current States and

Territories of Australia regarding the trading list, and recommendations for enclosures sizes.

The recommended enclosure sizes have been a compromise between two opposing forces in

enclosure size determination. The most important factor in any reptile and amphibian

husbandry is providing the correct thermal environment. The importance of correct and

appropriate temperatures to cater for individual needs of each species and each animal

cannot be understated, and is far more important than any enclosure parameter. This is

actually an inverse relationship between enclosure size and temperature. This is because the

larger an enclosure is, the more difficult it is to obtain optimal temperature.

This recommendation describes a suggested practice for the care and housing of reptiles and

amphibians, taking into consideration scientific information and accumulated experience.

These recommended minimum enclosure sizes have been developed to find the suitable

balance between optimal temperature, enclosure sizes, animal welfare needs, public

perception and the aesthetics of the enclosure within a pet shop as a display. It is important to

note that reptiles and amphibians kept according to this recommendation are for short-term

stay. Recommended enclosure, housing and husbandry are for medium term holding.

The following steps were followed to produce this document.

Step 1: Required the sourcing of available documents to assist in writing this

recommendation. These documents included:

Native reptile and amphibian species list from States and Territory government agencies.

Animal Welfare Code of Practice, Animals in Pet Shops for States and Territory.

Standards for exhibiting reptiles, Exhibited Animals Protection Act (EAPA), New South Wales

(NSW) Department of Primary Industries. Code of Practice for the Private Keeping of

Reptiles.

Guidelines for showing reptiles and amphibians from a number of reptile and frog societies

and clubs.

Current reptile and amphibian literature relating to information and species husbandry and

housing.

Step 2: Meetings with pet industry representatives, pet shop owners and captive animals

representatives from States and Territories was integral. Many people who were consulted

had decades of knowledge and experience in keeping and trading reptiles and amphibians.

Visits to pet shops in Western Australia, Victoria, NSW, Queensland and the Australian Capital

Territory (ACT) provided great insight and a platform for the development of this

recommendation. Reptile and amphibian standards, species lists, enclosure sizes and numbers

of reptiles and amphibians kept per enclosure were gathered and reviewed. A number of

shops assisted by placing reptile and amphibian species in a variety of enclosure sizes to gauge

what are acceptable standards to assist in the development of categories and numbers for this

recommendation.


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Step 3: Welfare: Reptile and amphibian welfare, health and safety, physical and behaviour

requirements were of high priority. Reptile and amphibian Fright, Flight and Fight (FFF) zones

were considered, along with inter and intra-specific housing, indoor enclosures, and

suspended and outdoor style housing. Reptile and amphibian suitability to captivity, reptiles

and amphibians on the exempt species list, easy to keep species, hard to keep species, and

sensitive species were considered. Public perception was taken into account in preparing

enclosure


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Reptile and Amphibian Housing & Husbandry

Introduction

The aim of this section is to provide a recommendation in key areas for the housing and

husbandry of reptiles and amphibians for all parties trading in reptiles and amphibians

throughout Australia. Please be guided by your home State or Territory government agency’s

legislation and guidelines for keeping. There are a large number of current and informative

reptile and amphibian publications on the market that can assist with housing and husbandry.

(Please refer to Bibliography on page 72 and 73).

Work Health and Safety (WHS) It is recommended that stores trading in reptiles and amphibians undertake all reasonable

measures to ensure the health and safety of staff and manage all relevant workplace risks.

This can include sick or injured staff members who require medical attention, and the risk

associated with zoonotic disease by those in direct contact with animals.

In order to provide a safe and healthy environment, each store must have WHS processes and

procedures in place to comply with relevant State and Territory legislation. Such processes

and procedures include the following documentation.

fety Inspection Checklist Template

Depending on staffing levels, there must be the appropriate number of properly trained staff

members to meet particular State and Territory requirements for first aid, fire and emergency

situations. Please refer to State and Territory regulatory bodies to determine appropriate

levels.

Security

Premises and animal enclosures must be secure against unwanted animals, persons or pests

at all times. It is recommended that stores must be able to be reasonably secured to prevent

access to the premises outside trading hours, including outdoor enclosures. Enclosures must

be securely fastened outside trading hours to the extent required to avoid escape. All external

openings must prevent escape of animals or easy removal of products or equipment without

authorisation. Adequate security must be in place to ensure the safety of staff, the public and

all animals on the premises.


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Venomous snakes must be housed in lockable, escape-proof enclosures at all times. All

categories of venomous snakes must also be held within a locked, escape-proof room that

prevents unauthorised entry.

Sourcing Animals

It is recommended that the person in charge of trading in reptiles and amphibians purchase

animals from licensed, reliable and responsible PIAA breeders. New owners who have

purchased a reptile or amphibian should be encouraged to keep in contact with the store to

ensure the animal is being cared for correctly or if the new owner has any questions to ask

about the animal.

Sale of Animals It is recommended that the person in charge of trading in reptiles and amphibians only sell to

people who are licensed or meet State or Territory licensing requirements.

Transportation Legislation and codes of practice for the transportation of animals are applicable in some

States and Territories in Australia and must be complied with when transporting animals.

When transporting reptiles and amphibians to and from the store, staff must ensure that the

animals are contained safely within appropriate enclosures so as to reduce any injury to the

animal. Animals being transported by road must have sufficient fresh air and not be left

unattended in closed/locked vehicles. On longer journeys, animals must be checked and given

water if required every two hours. Those trading in reptiles and amphibians that are required

to transport animals by air must use a recognised pet/animal transport agent complying with

the International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations for the transport of animals.

Transportation vehicles and transport enclosures/crates must be cleaned and disinfected after

each use to prevent disease.

Behaviour

It is recommended that two or more species can be housed together (refer to Reptile and

Amphibian Enclosure Recommendations Part 2 for increased area for each additional cm2 per

animal) so long as none of the species are likely to prey on, or cause serious injury to the

others, be aggressive or consistently deny others access to food, water or shelter. All grouped

animals need to be monitored for aggression, competition or predation.

Behavioural enrichment

Where possible, it is recommended that reptiles and amphibians be provided with

behavioural enrichment. To do this, firstly reptile and amphibian physical and behavioural

needs must be considered. These are as follows:


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Reptile and amphibian physical needs

• Food: Is there a variety of food and what is the frequency of feeding?

• Waste production: How do reptiles and amphibians produce their droppings? How often,

and how to dispose of the droppings?

• Water: Is there fresh drinking water, and what is the size of the water bowl given and other

water bodies?

• Shelter: Is there somewhere to sleep, stay dry and warm?

• Space: Has enough space and furniture been provided to encourage natural behaviour?

• Appropriate substrate: What types of substrate material should be used? For example,

breeder’s choice cat litter pellets, aspen, gravel, zeolite or sand?

• Temperature: What is a suitable temperature for a reptile or amphibian?

• Heating and lighting: What heating and lighting is best suited for the reptiles and

amphibians?

• Ventilation/airflow: How much ventilation is available? All reptiles need ventilation -

research how much, and where you should position the ventilation in the exhibit.

• Appropriate source of UV lights/bulbs that are changed at least annually.

Reptile and Amphibian behavioural needs

• Foraging: Searching for food. Keepers often give the snake the rat straight away. Try

encouraging the snake to look for its food.

• Exploring: Searching, not just for food.

• Resting: Places where your reptile can rest away from the public.

• Socialising: Interacting with other reptiles or amphibians of the same kind.

• Reproducing: It is important to note that reptiles and amphibians kept according to this

recommendation are of short term holding. Breeding is not recommended under these

holding terms, but optional for pet shop owners to use their own discretion.

Enclosures/Housing Based on the findings, indoor enclosures are to be constructed to a standard that maintains a

high level of security, safety and wellbeing of the reptile and amphibian being housed. An

enclosure should be designed to be keeper friendly so it can be serviced safely and regularly.

Many reptile species (such as large pythons and monitors) can apply considerable pressure on

enclosure fixtures including glass. This may result in the displacement of enclosure furnishings

and/or the opening of lids and doors. Considerable pressure can cause glass to crack or

shatter. When selecting glass consider other pressures such as water pressure and the weight

of any enclosure furnishings and substrates. Strong glass with a minimum panel thickness of

6mm should be used - with the option to use laminated or even toughened glass for extra

strength.


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An enclosure must be escape-proof.

An enclosure must be made safe for the reptile to occupy by excluding hazards that have the

potential to harm it.

An enclosure must be designed and/or positioned so as to prevent the reptile from coming

into physical contact with wild animals, pests, domestic pets, and unauthorised persons.

When different species of reptiles are housed together, they must be compatible.

Indoor Enclosures Reptiles and amphibians require an enclosure that provides appropriate environmental conditions for the species being housed. They must be provided with temperature gradients, humidity levels and light cycles that are appropriate to the species (i.e. allows normal physical and behavioural needs). Indoor enclosure walls, floors and fittings must be constructed from impervious materials that can be easily cleaned. Enclosure surfaces, edges and ventilation grates that are accessible by the reptile should be

smooth to prevent injury. Enclosure doors need to be fitted with a locking mechanism for

enclosure security. Ventilation holes need to be provided and designed and secured so that

the reptile cannot escape.

Reptile housing

Reptile housing is very similar in the fundamentals of enclosure design and set up for all

species. For example, a secure enclosure with a heat source, thermostat, thermometer, water

bowl, somewhere to hide, enclosure furniture, substrate, and ultraviolet light if required.

However, with the wide variety of reptile species now available to licensed keepers, there can

be very specific housing requirements for specific species. Commercially sold reptile

enclosures are available in timber, plastic or glass. It is essential that after choosing an

appropriate enclosure that a heat source is added to allow thermoregulation. It is a

requirement that a thermostat is attached to the enclosure’s heat source to guarantee the

setting of specific temperatures for individual animals can be achieved. The combination of a

thermostat and thermometer work together to ensure a suitable heat source is provided for

reptiles and amphibians. The selection of substrates and furniture can be varied for individual

species. Ensure that before housing any reptile or amphibian species, you research the species

to be kept and know its housing and husbandry needs!

Venomous Snakes

Security must be of the highest priority. Ensure all venomous snake enclosures remain

locked at all times, except for cleaning and feeding times. An enclosure housing venomous

snakes must be labelled with a venomous snake sign. Venomous snake keepers must be

suitably trained and hold a current first aid certificate. All Categories of venomous snakes

must also be held within a locked, escape-proof room, which prevents unauthorised entry.

Responsible venomous snake sales are only to owners who are licensed, trained and certified

to hold such snakes.


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Food and Water Reptiles and amphibians must receive a balanced and complete diet that allows them to

maintain good health and growth, recognising the physiological status and special needs of

differing ages and species. Clean, fresh water must be available for all animals at all times at a

temperature and quality that meets the animal’s needs. Containers must be readily accessible

to animals and positioned to avoid spillage and reduce the contamination by faeces. Avoid any

food or water containers being directly under a heat source, unless the aim is to place a water

container closer to the heat source to achieve a higher humidity. Ensure enclosure furniture

and perching is not directly above a water container. The larger the enclosure and overall

floor area (refer to Reptile and Amphibian Enclosure Recommendations Part 2) the greater the

opportunity is to provide ample opportunity to place food and water containers appropriately.

Reptile and amphibian food and water requirements vary enormously. Before acquiring any

reptile species, ensure that you research the species to be kept and know its daily food and

water needs. A water bowl should always be provided for all animals. Water bowls should be

cleaned regularly and refilled with fresh clean water. The shingleback lizard Tiliqua rugosus for

example, only requires a small water bowl and generally drinks water once a week.

Consideration must be given to the size and depth of the bowl. Snakes often need a larger and

deeper water bowl as they can often soak before shedding. Take caution, some lizards may

drown in a water bowl that is too deep.

Suitable Water & Food Dishes

All food and water dishes should be easy to clean and sterilise. Separate bowls for each

enclosure must be provided. Stainless steel or plastic dishes are usually best overall. Dishes

should be thoroughly cleaned after every feed and not re-used to feed other animals later on.

This is of course especially important for animals in quarantine situations.

Some reptiles and amphibians do not necessarily need a food dish as they eat their food

whole or whilst submersed in water.

Water dishes should be shallow enough for any reptile or amphibian to get out of if required.

Many reptiles cannot swim and may drown in such situations. Some reptiles require large

bodies of water to feed, swim, or completely immerse in during hot or dry weather. This

should always be provided where possible. Some reptiles will not actively drink at all and will

get their fluids from the foods that they eat. However, many will drink from water bowls,

ponds or droplets on foliage. Many also benefit from additional moisture during times of

shedding.

All equipment used in the food preparation for reptiles and amphibians should always be

clean, and even sterilised where required. Some food items may need to be defrosted before

feeding, and this should be done naturally, and never in a microwave oven or in hot to warm

water to speed up the thawing process. Fish can be gently defrosted using cold tap water, but

rats, mice, rabbits and chickens for example, should always be defrosted slowly, naturally and

fed at room temperature.

When providing water for amphibians, all water used must be de-chlorinated by aging it for

24-48 hours. Alternatively, you can use commercially prepared water conditioners, which are

available from retail stores.


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Storage of Foods

All fruit and vegetables should be stored effectively, usually in a fridge at 4°C. Rats, mice,

chicken, fish, and prawns for example, should be stored in a freezer and thawed as required in

a refrigerator overnight. When using freshly killed foodstuffs, food should be presented to

the reptiles and amphibians within an hour of euthanasia.

Presentation of Foods

Fruits and vegetables can be offered in dishes, chopped, diced or blended, depending upon

the species being fed. Live insects can be released into enclosures so that animals can catch

them, or many reptiles and amphibians will accept insects from tweezers. Foliage and flowers

can be offered on the branch as most of the species that consume these have large strong

jaws to tear them off.

A reptile’s willingness to feed in captivity can be determined by the animal feeling

comfortable in the environment provided. A settling in period of two weeks may be needed

for newly acquired reptiles. Always maintain detailed feeding records for your reptile ensuring

your animal is being fed correctly. Refer to Appendices 2, 3 and 4 for examples of reptile and

amphibian record keeping documents.

The natural diet and metabolic rate (activity rate) varies considerably from one reptile and

amphibian to another. Winter (June to August) is the time most reptiles and amphibians

experience a cooling off period. The reptile and amphibian metabolism rate slows and

brumation takes place. Throughout the brumation state reptiles and amphibians can survive

without food for the winter season. However, a bowl of water must be provided.

Captive Diets

Frogs: Frogs are insect eaters. Suitable insects, depending on the size of the frog may include:

crickets, grasshoppers, houseflies, cockroaches (woodies), blowflies, beetles, moths,

earthworms, silkworms, day old mice and occasionally, mealworms. Frogs are active at night.

Feed frogs three to four times weekly.

Turtles: Always feed turtles in, or adjacent to water, as they may need to submerse

themselves in water in order to feed. The preferred food of freshwater turtles is ground beef,

liver, heart, raw fish crickets, cockroaches, grasshoppers, earthworms, silkworms, blood

worms, raw fish (invertebrates to be fed live or thawed and preferably whole), yabbies and

fish pellets. Some species will eat water plants and a variety of green vegetables. A vitamin

and mineral supplement powder is required for an all meat diet. Hatchlings may be fed every

second day. Adults fed twice weekly.

Lizards: Lizards have a large range of food preferences. Insects make up a large proportion of

a lizard’s diet. Mealworms, crickets, grasshoppers, silkworms, cockroaches, fruit flies, maggots

and moths are a natural part of their diet. Ensure your insect supply is pesticide free. A

vitamin and mineral supplement powder is required for an all meat diet. A variety of fruits and

vegetables may also be fed. Many lizards will accept canned dog and cat food or commercially

sold food through pet shops. Lizards have a higher metabolic rate than snakes and therefore

generally feed far more frequently than snakes. Some small species of lizards such as dragons

and monitors may require food daily. Larger species can be fed one to two times weekly. The


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most important things to do are to establish a feeding routine, stick to it and keep records.

Note: Many dragon, monitor and skink species can be territorial or aggressive by nature.

Observe and monitor behaviour of grouped lizard species for any signs of aggression,

particularly around feeding time.

Snakes: Snakes are predators and will feed on a wide range of birds, mammals and reptiles.

Prey items are either killed by venom, suffocated or swallowed alive. After overpowering their

food, all snakes swallow food whole. In captivity, rodents are usually fed as a preferred food

source. When feeding snakes, a good guide for choosing the size of the food item for the size

of the snake is to select a rodent that has the same size head as the snake as this will allow the

snake to stretch and modify its skull and jaws enough to consume its prey. Obtain food from a

reliable source or breed your own rodents. Ensure food is pesticide free. Separate snakes prior

to feeding if housed together. It is important to establish a feeding routine with snakes, as

adults only require one meal two times weekly, once a week or once a fortnight. Snakes and

crocodiles will usually take whole foods such as mice, rats, chickens or rabbits from large

tongs or other feeding implements.

Crocodiles: Crocodiles will usually take food in pieces or chunks such as mice, rats, chicken,

fish or rabbit from large tongs or other feeding implements.

Vitamin and Mineral Supplements: Vitamin and mineral supplements are of benefit for frogs,

turtles, lizards and crocodiles. For frogs, sprinkle calcium/vitamin powder in a take away

container and add insects. For turtles, lizards and crocodiles, sprinkle calcium/vitamin powder

on food or inject liquid supplements into the food items.. Read and follow the instructions on

the supplement container. Humidity: The amount of moisture in the air is influenced by the

presence of drinking water, the body of water and the live plants within the enclosure. It can

also be influenced by ventilation offered, surrounding temperatures and humidity. Investigate

your chosen reptile and amphibian and the humidity required. Species that have originated

from the tropical rainforest of Queensland will require a humid environment, whereas desert

species thrive in a drier environment though may need microclimates where increased

humidity is found especially around the time of shedding.. The use of different sized water

bowls and mist spraying in summer or around slough time can assist in the control of

humidity. A commercially made humidity controller should be placed in the enclosure to

provide an accurate reading.

Outdoor enclosures: This is required for pet stores, because many in Northern Australia use outdoor housing.

OUTDOOR ENCLOSURES ARE NOT RECOMMENDED FOR HOUSING REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS

With exceptions, in the right climatic region, correct aspect, a well-insulated hide and

provisions of a heat source in an outdoor enclosure, reptiles can be kept outdoors. It is not

recommended to keep frogs outside for the following reasons: predation on frogs kept

outdoors is common, exposure to disease and pathogens, lack of suitable location to meet

housing requirements, and almost impossible to observe captive frogs in an outdoor housing

environment.


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An outdoor enclosure must consider aspect and location, be designed and managed to

account for the full range of seasonal weather variation, and risks from domestic and wild

predators and potential pest infestations. If a reptile is to be housed in an outdoor enclosure,

the temperature, humidity and lighting regime must be similar to that occurring in its natural

range. It is recommended that an outdoor enclosure be raised above ground level to provide

sufficient drainage to prevent the accumulation of water. An outdoor enclosure must be

designed and situated so that the reptile is provided with sufficient sunlight in cooler months

and shade in warmer months. Depending on your location and the ability for a reptile to

achieve its preferred body temperature, supplement heating may be required. An outdoor

enclosure must provide locations where the reptile can find shelter from weather conditions

such as heat, cold and rain. For terrestrial species this must include a range of shelters or hide

boxes, which are permanently dry. The ability to keep reptiles outdoors can be restricted to

warmer, temperate and tropical climates. Additionally, reptiles may not be able to be kept

outdoors during the colder seasonal months. The types of outdoor enclosures can range from

suspended enclosures, aviaries, enclosed pits, screen mesh enclosure or fine wire 6.5mm x

6.5mm enclosure and indoor/outdoor combined enclosures. All of these options have merit,

but careful consideration must be given to the selection of an outdoor enclosure, as it needs

to be based on the individual requirements for the animal being housed.

Health Care and Record keeping: It is recommended that staff are familiar with signs of

common and zoonotic diseases of reptiles and amphibians. The monitoring of health and

wellbeing of animals should be carried out daily. Maintain detailed records of your reptiles

and amphibians to ensure that each specimen being fed is cared for correctly (refer to

Appendices 2, 3 and 4). List feeding dates, food offered, acceptance or refusal of food, skin

shed, medical treatment, observed mating, and record length and weight. These records are

essential in monitoring the health of animals in your store.

Hygiene: It is recommended that all reptiles and amphibians enclosures must be checked, and

then cleaned daily if required. The frequency of checking and cleaning may increase

depending on the species. Cleaning and disinfection chemicals and materials must be chosen

on the basis of their suitability, safety to humans and animals, and effectiveness. They must

be used only in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Before new animals are

introduced, vacant enclosures must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. The Material

Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all chemicals held must be available to staff.

Waste: Waste material including faeces, litter, uneaten foods, disposable food containers and

bedding, aquarium waste water and substrates must be disposed of promptly and hygienically

in accordance with requirements of local government authorities.

Veterinary Care: It is recommended that the person in charge of trading in reptiles and

amphibians establish an agreement with one or more local veterinarians and any other

suitably qualified person who are able to attend to animal emergencies or sick animals and to

advise on management and disease prevention measures. Sick or injured reptiles and

amphibians must be kept isolated and animals kept away from public view and not offered for

sale.


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Euthanasia of reptiles and amphibians must be performed only by a veterinary surgeon or a

person who is an authorised euthanasia technician.

Lighting

Like the need for the provision of appropriate heating for reptiles the need for adequate and

appropriate lighting for reptiles cannot be over-emphasised. The following factors need to be

considered:

The species being housed

The type of light required e.g. UVB, UVA, visible light

The photoperiod i.e. how long the lights should be on and off

The design of the enclosure

All reptiles benefit from being exposed to a daylight cycle that reflects their natural exposure.

In many cases this can be simply achieved by fitting timers to light fixtures to provide light for

12-14 hours a day. Similarly reptiles and amphibians should not be exposed to light for 24

hours a day. A period of darkness is essential for their wellbeing and to minimse stress. This

includes exposure to so called “red lights” overnight. A common misconception is that reptiles

are unable to see this type or colour of light and so these lights are suitable for 24-hour use.

This is not true and such lights should not be used overnight. An excellent alternative would

be to use a low wattage ceramic heat emitter to provide overnight an overnight heat source.

Many species of reptiles benefit and in fact require exposure to ultraviolet light (UV).

Specifically they require exposure to UVB light. UVB light is of a specific wavelength that

promotes the formation of vitamin D in the animals’ skin which can then be used to absorb

calcium from the diet. Failure to provide such light can result in the development of a

condition called Secondary Nutritional Hyperparathyroidism (commonly referred to as

“Metabolic Bone Disease”. Young, growing animals are particularly prone to this condition.

It is generally regarded that most, if not all, species of turtle and lizard, should be provided

with UVB lighting, even for the probable short period of time that the animal(s) are to be

retained in the store. There is mounting evidence that even nocturnal species such as many of

the geckos, can also show improved health with even minimal exposure to this type of light.

The provision of UVB light to snake is one of continual debate. Studies have shown that some

species respond favourably to exposure while in other species it has been shown to have no

apparent affect. As a general recommendation UVB lighting should be provided to snake if the

enclosure design and construction allows for it. With this in mind though it is still prudent to

allow snakes to experience a normal daylight cycle of visible light.


P a g e | 18

When using UVB lighting it is also important to consider

The age of the light. UVB-producing lights degrade with time and as such need to be

replaced as per the manufacturer’s guidelines

The distance from the light to the animal. UVB light follows a mathematical principle

called the “inverse square law”. This basically means that the further away from the light

the animal is the less UVB it is exposed to. With this is mind light should be chosen and

positioned so that the animal gains appropriate exposure. As an example an enclosure

should not be so tall that no UVB light reaches an animal that spends all of its time on the

bottom of the enclosure. Branches and other climbing furniture should be provided so as

to allow the reptile or amphibian to be able to regulate it’s own exposure

UVB safety. UV light is considered hazardous and some lights have been shown to produce

dangerous levels of UV light if faulty. People working with these lights should minimise

their exposure where possible and ensure they light are producing appropriate levels of

UV light via the use of equipment such as UV meters.

Hospital and Quarantine Facilities

All sick animals should be removed from display and housed in a separate hospital enclosure

to allow adequate monitoring and treatment. These animals should be attended to last to

avoid any cross-contamination with healthy animals in the store.

If deemed necessary any sick animals should be examined and treated by a veterinarian

experienced with reptiles and amphibians

All new acquisitions should be housed away from displayed animals until such time that an

adequate quarantine period has been observed. This length of time will depend upon:

The species involved

The possible diseases and illnesses that could potentially be carried by the species in

question

The source of the animals. Stores should only purchase animals from known breeders with

a good reputation.

The degree of risk that the store wishes to take. In an ideal world animals may be kept in

quarantine for extended periods of time (e.g. in excess of two years for pythons) but is a

retail situation this unrealistic. As such stores need to develop a policy for quarantine

based on what they feel is adequate for their situation and reputation. They need to be

aware of the potential pathogens (e.g. mites, viruses etc.), their biology and what steps

can be undertaken to minimise the risks.

Zoonotic Diseases

Zoonotic diseases are those diseases that can be transferred from animals to humans.

Unfortunately there are several potentially zoonotic diseases that can be carried by reptiles

and amphibians. These include but are not limited to Salmonella, mycobacteria and

Cryptosporidia.


P a g e | 19

Adequate hygiene is essential when handling reptiles and amphibians. It is imperative that

hands should be washed after handling such animals. Hands and fingers should not be

placed in the mouth after handling.

Equipment, utensils and food related tools should never be prepared or cleaned in the

vicinity of where human food is prepared or consumed.

People with conditions that result in an immunocompromised state (e.g. receiving

chemotherapy, HIV) and children under 5 years of age should have minimal exposure to

reptiles and amphibians to decrease the risk of zoonotic disease transmission.


P a g e | 20

Minimum Enclosure Standards for

Reptiles and Amphibians Part 1

Enclosure Category 1 - Snakes

Description 1A Snakes: Small species, hatchlings and juveniles less than <35cm in length

Category State or Territory

Common Name Scientific Name Numbers Per Cage

Comments

1A Snakes: VIC, ACT, NSW, QLD, NT, WA &

SA Refer to Reptile and Amphibian

Enclosure Recommendations

Part 2 for increased area for

each additional animal (cm2).

Children's Python

Antaresia childreni 1

Small Blotched Python

Antaresia maculosa 1

Pygmy Python Antaresia perthensis 1

Stimsons Python

Antaresia stimsoni 1

Description: 1B Snakes: Small species, hatchlings and juveniles greater than >35cm and less than

<75cm in length

1B Snakes: VIC, ACT, NSW, QLD, NT, WA & SA

Children's Python

Antaresia childreni 1

Small Blotched Python

Antaresia maculosa 1


Black-headed Python

Aspidites melanocephalus

1

Woma Python Aspidites ramsayi 1

Water Python Liasis fuscus 1

Northern Tree

Snake

Dendrelaphis

calligastra

1

Common or

Green Tree

Snake

Dendrelaphis

punctulata

1

Olive Python Liasis olivaceus

olivaceus

1

Pilbara Olive

Python

Liasis olivaceus

baroni

1

Scrub Python Morelia amethistina 1

Centralian

Carpet Python

Morelia spilota

bredli

1

Rough-scaled

Python

Morelia carinata 1

Jungle Carpet

Python

Morelia spilota

cheynei

1


P a g e | 21

South Western

Carpet

Morelia spilota

imbricata

1

Coastal Carpet

Python

Morelia spilota

mcdowelli

1

Inland Carpet

Python

Morelia spilota

metcalfei

1

Diamond

Python

Morelia spilota

spilota

1

North Western

Carpet Python

Morelia spilota

variegata

1

Green Python Morelia virdis 1

Slatey-grey

Snake

Stegonotus

cucullatus

1

Keelback Tropidonophis mairii 1

Description: 1C Snakes: Greater than >75cm and less than <100cm in length



Comments

1C Snakes: VIC,ACT, NSW, QLD, NT, WA & SA

Children's Python Antaresia childreni

1

Small Blotched Python Antaresiamaculosa

1

Stimsons Python Antaresia Stimsoni 1

Black-headed Python


1



Northern Tree Snake

Dendrelaphis calligastra

1

Common or Green Tree Snake

Dendrelaphis punctulata

1

Olive Python Liasis olivaceus olivaceus

1

Pilbara Olive Python

Liasis olivaceus baroni

1


Centralian Carpet Python

Morelia spilota bredli 1

South Western

Carpet

Morelia spilota

imbricata

1

Rough-scaled Python

Morelia carinata 1


P a g e | 22

Jungle Carpet Python

Morelia spilota cheynei

1

South Western Carpet

Morelia spilota imbricata

1

Coastal Carpet Python

Morelia spilota mcdowelli

1

Diamond Python Morelia spilota spilota 1

North Western Carpet Python

Morelia spilota variegata

1



Slatey-grey

Snake

Stegonotus cucullatus 1


Description 1D Snakes: greater than >100cm and less than < 140cm in length


Common Name Scientific Name Numbers per cage

Comments

1D Snakes:

VIC, ACT, NSW, NT, WA & SA

Children's Python Antaresia childreni

1

Small Blotched Python Antaresia maculosa

1


Black-headed Python


1



Northern Tree Snake

Dendrelaphis calligastra

1


Dendrelaphis punctulata

1


1


Liasis olivaceus baroni 1




Rough-scaled Python

Morelia carinata 1



1



1



1

Inland Carpet Python

Morelia spilota metcalfei

1


P a g e | 23




1


Slatey-grey Snake

Stegonotus cucullatus 1

Description 1E Snakes: greater than >140cm and less than < 300cm in length


Common Name Scientific Name

1D Snakes:


Black-headed Python


1

Woma Python Aspidites ramsayi

1



1



1

Scrub Python Morelia amethistina

1


Morelia spilota bredli

1

Rough-scaled Python

Morelia carinata 1



1



1



1


Morelia spilota metcalfei

1

Diamond Python Morelia spilota spilota

1



1


Slatey-grey Snake Stegonotus cucullatus

1

Description: 1F Snakes: Greater than >300cm in length Category State or

Territory Common Name Scientific Name Numbers

per cage Comments

1D Snakes: VIC, ACT, NSW, NT, WA & SA

Common Name

Black-headed Python


1


1


P a g e | 24



1

Scrub Python Morelia amethistina

1


Morelia spilota bredli

1



1

Diamond Python Morelia spilota spilota

1



1

Enclosure Category 2 – Venomous Snakes

Description 2A Venomous Snake: Small species, hatchlings and juveniles less than <50cm in length Category State or


per cage Comments

2A Venomous Snakes


Refer to Reptile and Amphibian Enclosure Recommendations Part 2 for increased area for each additional animal (cm2).

Common Death Adder

Acanthophis antarcticus

1

Northern Death Adder

Acanthophis praelongus

1

Pilbara Death Adder

Acanthophis wellsi

1

Desert Death Adder Acanthophis pyrrhus

1

Brown Tree Snake Boiga irregularis 1

Lowland Copperhead

Austrelaps superbus

1

Eastern Small-eyed Snake

Cryptophis nigrescens

1

Yellow-faced Whip Snake

Demansia psammophis

1

Stephen's Banded Snake

Hoplocephalus stephensii

1

Black Tiger Snake Notechis ater 1

Tiger Snake (all taxa)

Notechis scutatus (all taxa)

1

Fierce Snake Parademansia microlepidotus

1

Taipan Oxyuranus scutellatus

1

Little Whip Snake Parasuta flagellum

1

Mulga Snake Pseudechis australis

1

Spotted Mulga Snake (Butler’s Black snake)

Pseudechis butleri

1


P a g e | 25

Red-bellied Black Snake

Pseudechis porphyriacus

1

Dugite Pseudonaja affinis

1

Speckled Brown Snake

Pseudonaja guttata

1

Western Brown Snake (Gwardar) incl Southern Central Australia variety and Tropical Northern Australia variety

Pseudonaja mengdeni including Pseudonaja aspidorhyncha & Pseudonaja nuchalis

1

Eastern Brown Snake

Pseudonaja textilis

1

Curl Snake Suta suta 1

Description 2B Venomous Snake: Greater than >50cm and less than <80cm in length



Comments

2B Venomous Snakes


Common Death Adder


1



1

Pilbara Death Adder

Acanthophis wellsi

1


1


Lowland Copperhead

Austrelaps superbus

1



1


Demansia psammophis

1

Stephen’s Banded Snake


1




1


1


1


1

Spotted Mulga Snake(Butler’s Black snake)

Pseudechis butleri

1



1


P a g e | 26


1


Pseudonaja guttata

1

Western Brown Snake (Gwardar),including Southern Central Australia variety and Tropical Northern Australia variety

Pseudonaja mengdeni, including Pseudonaja aspidorhyncha & Pseudonaja nuchalis

1

Eastern Brown Snake

Pseudonaja textilis

1

Description 2C Venomous Snake: Greater than >80cm and less than <120cm in length



Comments

2C Venomous Snakes


Common Death Adder


1



1

Pilbara Death Adder

Acanthophis wellsi

1


1


Lowland Copperhead

Austrelaps superbus

1



1


Demansia psammophis

1

Stephen’s Banded Snake


1




1


1


1


1

Spotted Mulga Snake(Butler’s Black snake)

Pseudechis butleri

1



1


1


P a g e | 27


Pseudonaja guttata

1

Western Brown Snake (Gwardar),including Southern Central Australia variety and Tropical Northern Australia variety


1

Eastern Brown Snake

Pseudonaja textilis

1

Description 2D Venomous Snake: Greater than >120cm in length



Comments

2D Venomous Snakes






1


1


1


1

Spotted Mulga Snake(Butler’s Black Snake)

Pseudechis butleri

1



1


1


Pseudonaja guttata

1

Western Brown Snake (Gwardar), including Southern Central Australia variety and Tropical Northern Australia variety


1

Eastern Brown Snake

Pseudonaja textilis

1


P a g e | 28

Enclosure Category 3 – Lizards

Description 3A Geckos: Small species, hatchlings and juveniles Less than <12cm snout to

vent length (SV) small housing category



Comments

3A Geckos: VIC, ACT, NSW, QLD, NT, WA & SA

Refer to Reptile and Amphibian

Enclosure Recommendations Part 2

for increased area for each

additional animal (cm2).

Marbled Gecko Christinus marmoratus

1

Pink-blotched Gecko

Diplodactylus byrnei

1

Fat-tailed Gecko Diplodactylus conspicillatus

1

Western Stone Gecko

Diplodactylus granariensis

1

Tessellated Gecko Diplodactylus tessellatus

1

Eastern Stone Gecko

Diplodactylus vittatus

1

Northern Dtella Gehyra australis 1

Tree Dtella Gehyra variegata

1

Bynoe's Gecko Heteronotia binoei

1

Desert Cave Gecko

Heteronotia spelea

1

Beaded Gecko Lucasium damaeum

1

Spiny Knob-tail Gecko (Rough)

Nephrurus asper 1

Pale Knob Tailed Gecko

Nephrurus laevissimus

1

Smooth Knob-tailed Gecko

Nephrurus levis 1

Barking Gecko Nephrurus milii 1

Starred Knob-tailed Gecko

Nephrurus stellatus

1

Marbled Velvet Gecko

Oedura marmorata

1

Southern Spotted Velvet Gecko

Oedura tryoni 1

Rough-throated Leaf-tail Gecko

Saltuarius salebrosus

1

Southern Leaf-tailed Gecko

Saltuarius swaini 1

North Spiny-tailed Gecko

Strophurus ciliaris

1

Jewelled Gecko Strophurus elderi 1

Southern Spiny- Strophurus 1


P a g e | 29

tailed Gecko intermedius

Golden-tailed Gecko

Strophurus taenicauda

1

Description 3B Geckos: Greater than >12cm less than <25cm snout to vent length (SV)

medium housing category



Comments

3B Geckos: VIC, ACT, NSW, QLD, NT, WA & SA


2 sub-adults, 1 adult or up to 6 juveniles

Pink-blotched Gecko


As above


As above

Western Stone Gecko


As above

Tessellated Gecko Dilodactylus tessellatus

As above

Eastern Stone Gecko


As above

Northern Dtella Gehyra australis As above


As above


As above

Desert Cave Gecko

Heteronotia spelea

As above


As above


Nephrurus asper As above



As above


Nephrurus levis As above

Barking Gecko Nephrurus milii As above


Nephrurus stellatus

As above


Oedura marmorata

As above


Oedura tryoni As above

Rough-throated Leaf- tail Gecko


As above


Saltuarius swaini As above


Strophurus ciliaris

As above

Jewelled Gecko Strophurus elderi As above


P a g e | 30

Southern Spiny-tailed Gecko

Strophurus intermedius

As above

Golden-tailed Gecko


As above

Description 3C Geckos: Greater than >12cm less than <25cm snout to vent length (SV)

medium housing category



Comments

3C Geckos: VIC, ACT, NSW, QLD, NT, WA & SA



Pink-blotched Gecko


As above


As above

Western Stone Gecko


As above

Tessellated Gecko Dilodactylus tessellatus

As above

Eastern Stone Gecko


As above

Northern Dtella Gehyra australis As above


As above


As above

Desert Cave Gecko

Heteronotia spelea

As above


As above


Nephrurus asper As above



As above


Nephrurus levis As above

Barking Gecko Nephrurus milii As above


Nephrurus stellatus

As above


Oedura marmorata

As above


Oedura tryoni As above

Rough-throated Leaf- tail Gecko


As above


Saltuarius swaini As above


Strophurus ciliaris

As above


P a g e | 31

Jewelled Gecko Strophurus elderi As above


Strophurus intermedius

As above

Golden-tailed Gecko


As above

Description 3 Skinks: Small species, hatchlings and juveniles less than <20cm total length



Comments

3D Skinks: VIC, ACT, NSW, QLD, NT, WA & SA





Eastern Three-lined Skink

Acritoscincus duperreyi

Up to 3 juveniles

Red-throated Skink

Acritoscincus platynota

Up to 3 juveniles

Major Skink Bellatorias frerei Up to 3 juveniles

Sandhill Ctenotus (Brook’s Striped Skink)

Ctenotus brooksi Up to 3 juveniles

Ocellated Skink Ctenotus pantherinus

Up to 3 juveniles

Regal Skink (Eastern Desert Ctenotus)

Ctenotus regius Up to 3 juveniles

Eastern Striped Skink

Ctenotus robustus

Up to 3 juveniles

Sandplain Ctenotus (Schomburgk’s Skink)

Ctenotus schomburgkii

Up to 3 juveniles

Pink-tongued Lizard

Cyclodomorphus gerrardii

Up to 3 juveniles

Cunningham's Skink

Egernia cunninghamii

Up to 3 juveniles

Hosmer's Skink Egernia hosmeri Up to 3 juveniles

Desert Skink Egernia inornata Up to 3 juveniles

King's Skink Egernia kingii Up to 3 juveniles

Land Mullet Egernia major Up to 3 juveniles

Masked Rock Skink

Egernia margaretae

Up to 3 juveniles

South-Western Crevice Egernia

Egernia margaretae

Up to 3 juveniles

Black Rock Skink Egernia saxatilis Up to 3 juveniles

Gidgee Skink Egernia stokesii Up to 3 juveniles

Tree Skink Egernia striolata Up to 3


P a g e | 32

juveniles

Whites Skink Egernia whitii Up to 3 juveniles

Narrow-banded Sand Swimmer

Eremiascincus fasciolatus

Up to 3 juveniles

Broad-banded Sand Swimmer

Eremiascincus richardsonii

Up to 3 juveniles

Eastern Water Skink

Eulamprus quoyii Up to 3 juveniles

Southern Water Skink

Eulamprus tympanum tympanum subspecies only

Up to 3 juveniles

Three toed Earless Skink

Hemiergis decresiensis

Up to 3 juveniles

Four-toed Earless Skink

Hemiergis peronii

Up to 3 juveniles

Garden Skink Lampropholis delicata

Up to 3 juveniles

Grass Skink Lampropholis guichenoti

Up to 3 juveniles

Bougainville's Skink

Lerista bougainvillii

Up to 3 juveniles

Burrowing Skink Lerista picturata Up to 3 juveniles

Adelaide Snake-eye Skink

Morethia adelaidensis

Up to 3 juveniles

Dwarf Skink Menetia greyii Up to 3 juveniles

Boulenger's Skink Morethia boulengeri

Up to 3 juveniles

Southern Grass Skink

Pseudemoia entrecasteauxii

Up to 3 juveniles

Spencer's Skink Pseudemoia spenceri

Up to 3 juveniles

Centralian Blue-tongued Lizard

Tiliqua multifasciata

Up to 3 juveniles

Blotched Blue-tongued Lizard

Tiliqua nigrolutea

Up to 3 juveniles

Western Blue-tongued Lizard

Tiliqua occipitalis Up to 3 juveniles

Shingle-Back Lizard

Tiliqua rugosus Up to 3 juveniles

Eastern Blue-tongued Lizard

Tiliqua scincoides

Up to 3 juveniles

Description 3E Skinks: Small species, hatchlings and juveniles greater than >20 and less

than <40cm (SV) length


Common Name Scientific Name Number Per Cage

Comments

3E Skinks: VIC, ACT, NSW, QLD, NT, WA & SA

Major Skink Bellatorias frerei 1 sub-adult or up to 6


P a g e | 33

juveniles

Ocellated Skink Ctenotus pantherinus

As above


Ctenotus robustus

As above

Pink-tongued Lizard


As above

Cunningham's Skink

Egernia cunninghamii

As above Social species

Hosmer's Skink Egernia hosmeri As above

King's Skink Egernia kingii As above

Land Mullet Egernia major As above


Egernia margaretae

As above

Black Rock Skink Egernia saxatilis As above Social species

Gidgee Skink Egernia stokesii As above

Tree Skink Egernia striolata As above

Eastern Water Skink

Eulamprus quoyii As above



As above


Tiliqua nigrolutea

As above


Tiliqua occipitalis As above

Shingle-Back Lizard

Tiliqua rugosus As above


Tiliqua scincoides

As above

Description 3F Skinks: Greater than >40 and less than <80cm total length



Comments

3F Skinks: VIC, ACT, NSW, QLD, NT, WA & SA

Major Skink Bellatorias frerei 1 adult or up to 6 juveniles

Pink-tongued Lizard


As above

King's Skink Egernia kingii As above

Land Mullet Egernia major As above



As above


Tiliqua nigrolutea

As above


Tiliqua occipitalis As above

Shingle-Back Lizard

Tiliqua rugosus As above


Tiliqua scincoides

As above


P a g e | 34

Description 3G Dragons: Less than <30cm total length



Comments

3G Dragons VIC, ACT, NSW, QLD, NT, WA & SA





Gilbert's Dragon Lophognathus gilberti

3 adults or 10 juveniles

Long-nosed Water Dragon

Lophognathus longirostris

As above

Frilled Lizard Chlamydosaurus kingii

As above

Crested Dragon Ctenophorus cristatus

As above

Tawny Dragon Ctenophorus decresii

As above

Peninsula Dragon Ctenophorus fionni

As above

Mallee Military Dragon

Ctenophorus fordi

As above

Central Military Dragon

Ctenophorus isolepis

As above

Central Netted Dragon

Ctenophorus nuchalis

As above

Painted Dragon Ctenophorus pictus

As above

Western Netted Dragon

Ctenophorus reticulatus

As above

Red-barred Dragon

Ctenophorus vadnappa

As above

Mallee Dragon Ctenphorus fordi As above

Boyd's Forest Dragon

Hypsilurus boydii As above

Southern Rainforest Dragon

Hypsilurus spinipes

As above

Gippsland Water Dragon

Physignathus lesueurii howittii

As above

Eastern Water Dragon

Physignathus lesueurii

As above

Eastern Bearded Dragon

Pogona barbata As above

Black Soil Bearded Dragon (henry lawsoni)

Pogona henrylawsoni

As above

Western Bearded Dragon

Pogona minor As above

Central Bearded Dragon

Pogona vitticeps As above

Lined Earless Dragon

Tympanocryptis lineata

As above

Eyrean Earless Dragon

Tympanocryptis tetraporophora

As above


P a g e | 35

Description 3H Dragons: Greater than >30cm and less than <50cm total length



Comments

3H Dragons VIC, ACT, NSW, QLD, NT, WA & SA


Gilbert's Dragon Lophognathus gilberti

2 adults or up to 5 juveniles


Lophognathus longirostris

As above


As above

Crested Dragon Ctenophorus cristatus

As above

Tawny Dragon Ctenophorus decresii

As above

Peninsula Dragon Ctenophorus fionni

As above


Ctenophorus fordi

As above


Ctenophorus isolepis

As above


Ctenophorus nuchalis

As above

Painted Dragon Ctenophorus pictus

As above


Ctenophorus reticulatus

As above

Red-barred Dragon

Ctenophorus vadnappa

As above

Mallee Dragon Ctenphorus fordi As above




Hypsilurus spinipes

As above



As above



As above


Pogona barbata As above


Pogona henrylawsoni

As above





Description 3I Dragons: Greater than >50 and less than <90cm total length



Comments

3I Dragons: VIC, ACT,


P a g e | 36

NSW, QLD, NT, WA & SA


1 adult or up to 6 juveniles





As above



As above





Description 3J Monitors: less than <30cm total length



Comments

3J Monitors:

VIC, ACT, NT, WA & SA


Ridge-tailed Monitor

Varanus acanthurus


Short-tailed Pygmy Monitor

Varanus brevicauda

As above

Stripe-tailed Monitor

Varanus caudolineatus

As above

Pygmy Mulga Monitor

Varanus gilleni As above

Sand Monitor Varanus gouldii As above

Mangrove Monitor

Varanus indicus As above

Merten's Water Monitor

Varanus mertensi

As above

Mitchell's Water Monitor

Varanus mitchelli

As above

Yellow-spotted Monitor

Varanus panoptes

As above

Heath Monitor Varanus rosenbergi

As above

Spotted Tree Monitor

Varanus scalaris As above

Spencer's Monitor Varanus spenceri As above

Storr's Monitor Varanus storri As above

Black-headed Monitor

Varanus tristis As above

Description 3K Monitors: Greater than >30cm and less than <60cm total length



Comments

3L VIC, ACT, NT, :


P a g e | 37

Monitors: WA & SA


Varanus acanthurus

1 adult or up to 6 juveniles


Varanus caudolineatus

As above

Pygmy Mulga Monitor

Varanus gilleni As above

Perentie Varanus giganteus

As above

Sand Monitor Varanus gouldii As above

Mangrove Monitor

Varanus indicus As above


Varanus mertensi

As above


Varanus mitchelli

As above


Varanus panoptes

As above


As above


Varanus scalaris As above

Spencer's Monitor Varanus spenceri As above

Storr's Monitor Varanus storri As above


Varanus tristis As above

Lace Monitor Varanus varius As above

Description 3L Monitors: Greater than >60cm and less than <120cm total length



Comments

3K Monitors:


:


Varanus acanthurus

1


Varanus brevicauda

1


1

Sand Monitor Varanus gouldii 1

Mangrove Monitor

Varanus indicus 1


Varanus mertensi

1


Varanus mitchelli

1


Varanus panoptes

1


1


Varanus scalaris 1

Spencer's Monitor Varanus spenceri 1


P a g e | 38

Storr's Monitor Varanus storri 1


Varanus tristis 1

Lace Monitor Varanus varius 1

Description 3M Monitors: Greater than >120cm total length Category State or


Per Cage Comments

3M Monitors:

NT, SA


1



Varanus panoptes

1



Description 3N Legless Lizards: Less than <30cm total length Category State or


Per Cage Comments

3N Legless Lizards:



Southern Legless Lizard

Delma australis 2 adults or up to 6 juveniles

Olive Legless Lizard (Inornate Legless Lizard)

Delma inornata As above

Adelaide Snake-lizard

Delma molleri As above

Burton's Snake-Lizard

Lialis burtonis As above

Common Scaly-foot

Pygopus lepidopodus

As above

Western Hooded Scaly-foot

Pygopus nigriceps

As above

Eastern Hooded Scaly-foot

Pygopus schraderi

As above


P a g e | 39

Description 3O Legless Lizards: Greater than >30cm and less than <70cm total length Category State or


Per Cage Comments

3O Legless Lizards:



Delma inornata 3 adults or up to 10 juveniles


Delma molleri As above


Lialis burtonis As above

Common Scaly-foot

Pygopus lepidopodus

As above


Pygopus nigriceps

As above


Pygopus schraderi

As above

Enclosure Category 4 - Freshwater Turtles Minimum 1800 sqcm

Description 4A Freshwater Turtles: 0-10cm Carapace length



Comments

4A Freshwater Turtles:

VIC, ACT, NSW, QLD, NT, WA & SA


Pig-nosed Turtle Carettochelys insulpta

10

Common Long-necked Turtle

Chelodina longicollis

10

Broad-shelled River Turtle

Chelodina expansa

10

Oblong Turtle Chelodina oblonga

10

Northern Snake-necked Turtle

Chelodina rugosa

10

Steindachner’s Turtle

Chelodina steindachneri

10

Northern Snapping Turtle

Elseya dentate 10

Saw-shelled Turtle Elseya latisternum

10

Mary River Tortoise

Elusor macrurus 10

Krefft’s River Turtle

Emydura krefftii 10

Murray Short-necked Turtle

Emydura macquarii

10

Painted Turtle (Jardine River Turtle only)

Emydura subglobosa subglobosa

10


P a g e | 40

Description 4B FreshwaterTurtles: Greater than >10cm and less than <20cm Carapace length



Comments

4B Freshwater Turtles:



6



6


Chelodina expansa

6


6


Chelodina rugosa

6



6


Elseya dentate 6


6

Mary River Tortoise

Elusor macrurus 6

Krefft's River Turtle

Emydura krefftii 6


Emydura macquarii

6

Description 4C Freshwater Turtles: Greater than >20cm Carapace length



Comments

4C Freshwater Turtles:



3



3


Chelodina expansa

3


3


Chelodina rugosa

3



3


Elseya dentate 3


3

Mary River Tortoise

Elusor macrurus 3

Krefft's River Emydura krefftii 3


P a g e | 41

Turtle


Emydura macquarii

3



3

Enclosure Category 5 - Frogs

Description 5A Frogs: Less than <6cm snout to vent length (SV)



Comments

5A Frogs: VIC, ACT, NT, WA & SA


Water-holding Frog

Cyclorana platycephala

6

Southern Smooth Froglet

Geocrinia laevis 6

Western Spotted Frog

Heleioporus albopunctatus

6

Brown Striped Frog

Limnodynastes peronii

6

Green Tree Frog Litoria caerulea 6

Blue Mountains Tree Frog

Litoria citropa 6

Eastern Dwarf Tree Frog

Litoria fallax 6

Dainty Green Tree Frog

Litoria gracilenta 6

Giant Tree Frog Litoria infrafrenata

6

Leseur's Frog Litoria lesueuri 6

Western Green Tree Frog

Litoria moorei 6

Narrow-fringed Frog

Litoria nudidigita 6

Peron's Tree Frog Litoria peronii 6

Leaf Green Tree Frog

Litoria phyllochroa

6

Magnificient Tree Frog

Litoria splendida 6

Whistling Tree Frog

Litoria verreauxii 6

Great Barred Frog Mixophyes fasciolatus

6

Giant Barred Frog Mixophyes iteratus

6

Common Spadefoot Toad

Neobatrachus sudelli

6

Haswell's Frog Paracrinia haswelli

6

Description 5B Frogs: Greater than >6cm and less than <12cm snout to vent length (SV)


P a g e | 42



Comments

5B Frogs: VIC, ACT, NT, WA & SA

Water-holding Frog

Cyclorana platycephala 6

Western Spotted Frog

Heleioporus albopunctatus

6

Brown Striped Frog

Limnodynastes peronii 6

Green Tree Frog Litoria caerulea 6

Blue Mountains Tree Frog

Litoria citropa 6

Giant Tree Frog Litoria infrafrenata 6

Leseur's Frog Litoria lesueuri 6

Western Green Tree Frog

Litoria moorei 6

Magnificient Tree Frog

Litoria splendida 6

Great Barred Frog Mixophyes fasciolatus 6

Giant Barred Frog Mixophyes iteratus 6

Enclosure Category 6 - Crocodiles

Description 6A Crocodiles: Freshwater Crocodiles less than <30 cm total length



Comments

6A: Freshwater Crocodiles: less than <30 cm, individual housing

NT, SA Refer to Reptile and Amphibian Enclosure Recommendations Part 2 for increased area for each additional animal (cm2).

Freshwater Crocodile

Crocodylus johnstoni 1 Minimum water depth: 20cm

6B: Freshwater Crocodiles: less than <30 cm, multiple numbers

NT, SA



6C: Freshwater Crocodiles: greater than >30 less than <60 cm

NT, SA



6D: NT, SA


P a g e | 43

Freshwater Crocodiles: greater than >60 cm less than <100cm



6E:

Freshwater

Crocodiles:

greater than

>100cm

NT, SA




P a g e | 44

Reptile and Amphibian Outdoor Enclosure Recommendations

Outdoor Enclosure Category 7 - Snakes

Description 7A Snakes: Greater than >80cm and less than <120cm in length



Comments

7A Snakes: VIC, ACT, NSW, QLD, NT, WA & SA

Note: The keeping of Reptiles and Amphibians outdoors COMES WITH BIG WARNINGS (refer to Housing and Husbandry section).

Children's Python Antaresia childreni 2

Small Blotched Python Antaresia maculosa

2



Black-headed Python

Aspidites melanocephalus 2



Northern Tree Snake

Dendrelaphis calligastra 2


Dendrelaphis punctulata 2

Olive Python Liasis olivaceus olivaceus 2






Rough-scaled Python

Morelia carinata 2


Morelia spilota cheynei 2


Morelia spilota imbricata 2


Morelia spilota mcdowelli 2


Morelia spilota metcalfei 2



Morelia spilota variegata 2

Green Python Morelia spilota virdis 2

Slatey-grey Snake Stegonotus cucullatus 2



P a g e | 45

Description 7B Snakes: Greater than >120 and less than <180cm in length



Comments

7B Snakes:


Note: The keeping of Reptiles and Amphibians outdoors COMES WITH BIG WARNINGS (refer to Housing and Husbandry section).

Black-headed Python




Northern Tree Snake

Dendrelaphis calligastra 2


Dendrelaphis punctulata 2







Rough-scaled Python

Morelia carinata 2














Description 7C Snakes: Greater than >180 and less than <300cm in length



Comments

7C Snakes: VIC, ACT, NSW, QLD, NT, WA & SA

Black-headed Python





Pilbara Olive Liasis olivaceus baroni 2


P a g e | 46

Python




Rough-scaled Python

Morelia carinata 2














Description 7D Snakes: Greater than >300cm in length Category State or


per cage Comments

7D Snakes: VIC, ACT, NSW, NT, WA & SA

Black-headed Python













Outdoor Enclosure Category 8 - Geckos

Description 8A Geckos: Small species, hatchlings and juveniles less than <25cm snout to vent length (SV) Category State or


Per Cage Comments

8A Geckos: VIC, ACT, NSW, QLD, NT, WA & SA

Note: Screen mesh enclosure or fine wire 6.5mm x 6.5mm enclosure (refer to Housing and Husbandry section).

Marbled Gecko Christinus marmoratus 2

Pink-blotched Gecko

Diplodactylus byrnei 2


P a g e | 47


2

Western Stone Gecko


2

Tessellated Gecko Diplodactylus tessellatus 2

Eastern Stone Gecko

Diplodactylus vittatus 2


Tree Dtella Gehyra variegata 2

Bynoe's Gecko Heteronotia binoei 2

Desert Cave Gecko

Heteronotia spelea 2

Beaded Gecko Lucasium damaeum 2


Nephrurus asper 2


Nephrurus laevissimus 2


Nephrurus levis 2



Nephrurus stellatus 2


Oedura marmorata 2


Oedura tryoni 2


Saltuarius salebrosus 2


Saltuarius swaini 2


Strophurus ciliaris 2



Strophurus intermedius 2

Golden-tailed Gecko

Strophurus taenicauda 2

Description 8B Geckos: Greater than >25cm snout to vent length (SV)



Comments

8B Geckos: VIC, ACT, NSW, QLD, NT, WA & SA

Note: Fine wire 6.5mm x 6.5mm enclosure (refer to Housing and Husbandry section).

Marbled Gecko Christinus marmoratus 6

Pink-blotched Gecko

Diplodactylus byrnei 6


6

Western Stone Gecko


6

Tessellated Gecko Diplodactylus tessellatus 6


P a g e | 48

Eastern Stone Gecko

Diplodactylus vittatus 6


Tree Dtella Gehyra variegata 6

Bynoe's Gecko Heteronotia binoei 6

Desert Cave Gecko

Heteronotia spelea 6

Beaded Gecko Lucasium damaeum 6


Nephrurus asper 6


Nephrurus laevissimus 6


Nephrurus levis 6



Nephrurus stellatus 6


Oedura marmorata 6


Oedura tryoni 6


Saltuarius salebrosus 6


Saltuarius swaini 6


Strophurus ciliaris 6



Strophurus intermedius 6

Golden-tailed Gecko

Strophurus taenicauda 6

Outdoor Enclosure Category 9 - Skinks

Category



Comments

9A Skinks: VIC, ACT, NSW, QLD, NT, WA & SA

Major Skink Bellatorias frerei 6

Ocellated Skink Ctenotus pantherinus 6


Ctenotus robustus 6

Pink-tongued Lizard

Cyclodomorphus gerrardii 6

Cunningham's Skink

Egernia cunninghamii 6

Hosmer's Skink Egernia hosmeri 6

King's Skink Egernia kingii 6

Land Mullet Egernia major 6


P a g e | 49


Egernia margaretae 6

Black Rock Skink Egernia saxatilis 6 A social species

Gidgee Skink Egernia stokesii 6

Tree Skink Egernia striolata 6

Eastern Water Skink

Eulamprus quoyii 6


Tiliqua multifasciata 6


Tiliqua nigrolutea 6


Tiliqua occipitalis 6

Shingle-Back Lizard

Tiliqua rugosus 6


Tiliqua scincoides 6

Description 9B Skinks: Greater than >40 and less than <80cm total length



Comments

9B Skinks: VIC, ACT, NSW, QLD, NT, WA & SA

Major Skink Bellatorias frerei 4

Pink-tongued Lizard

Cyclodomorphus gerrardii 4

King's Skink Egernia kingii 4

Land Mullet Egernia major 4


Tiliqua multifasciata 4


Tiliqua nigrolutea 4


Tiliqua occipitalis 4

Shingle-Back Lizard

Tiliqua rugosus 4


Tiliqua scincoides 4

Outdoor Enclosure Category 10 - Dragons

Description 10A Dragons: Less than <30cm total length


Common Name

Scientific Name Numbers Per Cage

Comments

10A Dragons:


Refer to Reptile and Amphibian Enclosure Recommendations.

Gilbert's Dragon Lophognathus gilberti 4


Lophognathus longirostris 4

Frilled Lizard Chlamydosaurus kingii 4

Crested Dragon Ctenophorus cristatus 4


P a g e | 50

Tawny Dragon Ctenophorus decresii 4

Peninsula Dragon Ctenophorus fionni 4


Ctenophorus fordi 4


Ctenophorus isolepis 4


Ctenophorus nuchalis 4

Painted Dragon Ctenophorus pictus 4


Ctenophorus reticulatus 4

Red-barred Dragon

Ctenophorus vadnappa 4

Mallee Dragon Ctenphorus fordi 4


Hypsilurus boydii 4


Hypsilurus spinipes 4



4


Physignathus lesueurii 4


Pogona barbata 4


Pogona henrylawsoni 4


Pogona minor 4


Pogona vitticeps 4

Lined Earless Dragon

Tympanocryptis lineata 4

Eyrean Earless Dragon

Tympanocryptis tetraporophora

4

Description 10B Dragons: Greater than >30cm and less than <50cm total length



Comments

10B Dragons:


Gilbert's Dragon Lophognathus gilberti 6


Lophognathus longirostris 6


Crested Dragon Ctenophorus cristatus 6

Tawny Dragon Ctenophorus decresii 6

Peninsula Dragon Ctenophorus fionni 6


Ctenophorus fordi 6


Ctenophorus isolepis 6


P a g e | 51


Ctenophorus nuchalis 6

Painted Dragon Ctenophorus pictus 6


Ctenophorus reticulatus 6

Red-barred Dragon

Ctenophorus vadnappa 6

Mallee Dragon Ctenphorus fordi 6


Hypsilurus boydii 6


Hypsilurus spinipes 6



6




Pogona barbata 6


Pogona henrylawsoni 6


Pogona minor 6


Pogona vitticeps 6

Description 10C Dragons: Greater than >50cm and less than < 90cm total length Category State or


Per Cage Comments

10C Dragons:




Hypsilurus boydii 2



2




Pogona minor 2


Pogona vitticeps 2

Outdoor Enclosure Category 11 – Monitors

Description 11A Monitors: Greater than >30cm total Category State or


Per Cage Comments

11A Monitors:



Varanus acanthurus 6


Varanus brevicauda 6


P a g e | 52


Varanus caudolineatus 6

Pygmy Mulga Monitor

Varanus gilleni 6


Mangrove Monitor

Varanus indicus 6


Varanus mertensi 6


Varanus mitchelli 6


Varanus panoptes 6

Heath Monitor Varanus rosenbergi 6


Varanus scalaris 6




Varanus tristis 6

Description 11B Monitors: Greater than >30cm and less than< 60cm total length Category State or


Per Cage Comments

11B Monitors:






Pygmy Mulga Monitor

Varanus gilleni 2

Perentie Varanus giganteus 2


Mangrove Monitor

Varanus indicus 2


Varanus mertensi 2


Varanus mitchelli 2


Varanus panoptes 2



Varanus scalaris 2




Varanus tristis 2



P a g e | 53

Category



Comments

11B Monitors:






Pygmy Mulga Monitor

Varanus gilleni 2



Mangrove Monitor

Varanus indicus 2


Varanus mertensi 2


Varanus mitchelli 2


Varanus panoptes 2



Varanus scalaris 2




Varanus tristis 2


Description 11C Monitors: Greater than >60cm and less than <120cm total length Category State or


Per Cage Comments

11C Monitors:





Varanus brevicauda 1



Mangrove Monitor

Varanus indicus 1


Varanus mertensi 1


Varanus mitchelli 1


Varanus panoptes 1



Varanus scalaris 1


P a g e | 54




Varanus tristis 1


Description 11D Monitors: Greater than >120cm total length



Comments

11D Monitors:





Varanus panoptes 2



Category



Comments

12A Legless Lizards:


Southern Legless Lizard

Delma australis 6


Delma inornata 6


Delma molleri 6


Lialis burtonis 6

Common Scaly-foot

Pygopus lepidopodus 6


Pygopus nigriceps 6


Pygopus schraderi 6

Description 12B Legless Lizards: Greater than >30cm and less than <60cm total length



Comments

12B Legless Lizards:



Delma inornata 3


Delma molleri 3


Lialis burtonis 3

Common Scaly-foot

Pygopus lepidopodus 3


P a g e | 55


Pygopus nigriceps 3


Pygopus schraderi 3

Outdoor Enclosure Category 4 - Freshwater Turtles

Description 13A Turtles: Greater than >10 and less than <20cm Carapace length Category State or


Per Cage Comments

13A Freshwater Turtles:


Pig-nosed Turtle Carettochelys insulpta 12

Common long-necked Turtle

Chelodina longicollis 12


Chelodina expansa 12

Oblong Turtle Chelodina oblonga 12


Chelodina rugosa 12


Chelodina steindachneri 12


Elseya dentate 12

Saw-shelled Turtle Elseya latisternum 12

Mary River Tortoise

Elusor macrurus 12


Emydura krefftii 12

Murray short-necked Turtle

Emydura macquarii 12



12

Description 13B Turtles: Greater than >20cm Carapace length



Comments

13B Freshwater Turtles:


Pig-nosed Turtle Carettochelys insulpta 8

Common long-necked Turtle

Chelodina longicollis 8


Chelodina expansa 8

Oblong Turtle Chelodina oblonga 8


Chelodina rugosa 8


Chelodina steindachneri 8


Elseya dentate 8

Saw-shelled Turtle Elseya latisternum 8


P a g e | 56

Mary River Tortoise

Elusor macrurus 8


Emydura krefftii 8

Murray short-necked Turtle

Emydura macquarii 8


Emydurasubglobosa subglobosa

8


P a g e | 57

Reptile and Amphibian Enclosure Recommendations Part 2

Reptile and Amphibian Indoor Enclosure Recommendations


Category for housing Enclosure Size

Example (cm):

WIDTH (W) x

DEPTH (D) x HEIGHT

(H)

Number of

animal(s) per

cage

Minimum

Floor area

(cm2)

Increased

area for each

additional

animal (cm2)

Comments

1A Snakes: small

species, hatchlings

and juveniles less

than <35cm in length

20cm x 15cm x 10cm

1 300sqcm N/A Best kept as individuals

(refer to Housing and

Husbandry section).

1B Snakes: small

species, hatchlings

and juveniles greater

than >35cm less than

<75cm in length

26cm x 16cm x 16cm

1 416sqcm N/A

1C Snakes: greater


<100cm in length

45cm x 45cm x 50cm

1 2025sqcm 500sqcm

1D Snakes: greater

than >100 less than

<140cm in length

60cm x 45cm x 50cm

1 2700sqcm 1000sqcm

1E Snakes: greater

than >140cm to

300cm in length

90cm x 45cm x 50cm

1 405

0sq

cm

1500sq

cm

1F Snakes: greater

than >300cm in

length

120cm x 60cm x 60cm

1 7200sqcm 2250sqcm


P a g e | 58

Enclosure Category 2 - Venomous Snakes. A dangerously venomous snake must be housed in a

lockable escape-proof enclosure that is in a lockable escape-proof room.

2A Venomous Snake:

small species and

hatchlings less than

<50cm in length

26cm x 16cm x 16cm

1 416sqcm N/A

2B Venomous Snake:

small species and

hatchlings greater


<80cm in length

45cm x 45cm x 50cm

1 2025sqcm N/A

2C Venomous Snake:

greater than >80cm

less than <120cm in

length

90cm x 45cm x 50cm 1 4050sqcm

1500sqcm

2D Venomous Snake:

greater than >120cm

in length

120cm x 60cm x 60cm

1 7200sqcm 2250sqcm

Enclosure Category 3 - Lizards


Example (cm):

WIDTH (W) x

DEPTH (D) x HEIGHT

(H)

Number of

animal(s) per

cage

Minimum

Floor area

(cm2)

Increased

area for each

additional

animal (cm2)

Comments

3A Geckos: less than

<12cm snout to vent

length (SV)

20cm x 15cm x 10cm

1 300sqcm 200sqcm

3B Geckos: greater


<25cm snout to vent

length (SV)

30cm x 30cm x 30cm 2 sub-adults, 1

adult or up to 6

juveniles

900sqcm

300sqcm

3C Geckos: less than

<25cm snout to vent

length (SV)

45cm x 30cm x 40cm 4 sub-adults, 2

adults or up to

6 juveniles

1350sqcm

350sqcm

3D Skinks: less than

<20cm total length

26cm x 16cm x 16cm

Up to 3

juveniles

416sqcm 350sqcm

3E: Skinks: greater

than >20 less than

<40cm total length

45cm x 30cm x 45cm 1 sub-adult or

up to 6

juveniles

1350sqcm

350sqcm

3F Skinks: greater

than >40 less than

<80cm total length

90cm x 45cm x 45cm 1 adult or up to

6 juveniles

4050sqcm

500sqcm

3G Dragons: less

than <30cm total

length

52.5cm x 40cm x 45cm

3 adults or 10

juveniles

2100sqcm 350sqcm


P a g e | 59

3H Dragons: greater


<50cm total length

62.5cm x 40cm x

45cm

2 adults or up

to 5 juveniles

2500sqcm

600sqcm

3I Dragons: greater

than >50 less than

<90cm total length

120cm x 58cm x

60cm

1 Adult or up to

6 juveniles

6960sqcm

3500sqcm

3J Monitors: less

than<30cm total

length

45cm x 30cm x 40cm

2 sub-adults, 1

adult or up to 3

juveniles

1350sqcm 350sqcm

3K Monitors: greater


<60cm total length

60cm x 40cm x 50cm

1 adult or up to

6 juveniles

2400sqcm 600sqcm

3L Monitors: greater

than >60 less than

<120cm total length

90cm x 45cm x 50cm 1 4050sqcm 3000sqcm

3M Monitors: greater

than >120cm total

length

140cm x 60cm x

60cm

1 8400sqcm One monitor housed

only

3N Legless Lizards:

less than <30cm total

length

45cm x 30cm x 40cm

2 adults or up

to 6 juveniles

1350sqcm 350sqcm

3O Legless Lizards:

greater than >30cm


length

60cm x 40cm x 40cm

3 adults or up

to 10 juveniles

2400sqcm 350sqcm

Enclosure Category 4 - Freshwater Turtles


Example (cm):

WIDTH (W) x

DEPTH (D) x

HEIGHT (H)

Number of

animal(s) per

cage

Minimum

Floor area

(cm2)

Increased

area for each

additional

animal (cm2)

Comments

4A Freshwater

Turtles: 0-10cm

Carapace length

60cm x 30cm x 30cm

10 1800 sqcm 350sqcm Minimum water depth:

20cm

4B Freshwater

Turtles: greater than

>10 less than <20cm

Carapace length

90cm x 40cm x 40cm


30cm

4C Freshwater

Turtles: greater than

>20cm Carapace

length

90cm x 50cm x 60cm


30cm


P a g e | 60

Enclosure Category 5 - Frogs


Example (cm):

WIDTH (W) x

DEPTH (D) x

HEIGHT (H)

Number of

animal(s) per

cage

Minimum

Floor area

(cm2)

Increased

area for each

additional

animal (cm2)

Comments

5A Frogs: less than

<6cm snout to vent

length (SV)

30cm x 30cm x 30cm

6 900 sqcm 350sqcm

5B Frogs: greater

than >6cm less than

<12cm snout to vent

length (SV)

60cm x 45cm x 43cm

6 2700 sqcm 350sqcm

Enclosure Category 6 - Crocodiles


Example (cm):

WIDTH (W) x

DEPTH (D) x

HEIGHT (H)

Number of

animal(s) per

cage

Minimum

Floor area

(cm2)

Increased

area for each

additional

animal (cm2)

Comments

6A Freshwater

Crocodiles: less than

<30 cm

45cm x 25cm x 30cm 1 1125 sqcm N/A Minimum water depth:

20cm

6B Freshwater

Crocodiles: less than

<30 cm

60cm x 30cm x 50cm 6 1800 sqcm N/A Minimum water depth:

30cm

6C Freshwater

Crocodiles: greater

than > 30 less than

<60 cm

90cm x 45cm x 50cm 1 4050sqcm N/A Minimum water depth:

40cm

6D Freshwater

Crocodiles: greater

than >60 cm less than

<100cm

120cm x 60cm x

60cm

1 7020sqcm N/A Minimum water depth:

50cm


P a g e | 61

Reptile and Amphibian Outdoor Enclosure Recommendations

Category for housing Enclosure Size (cm):

WIDTH (W) x

DEPTH (D) x

HEIGHT (H)

Number of

animal(s) per

cage

Minimum

Floor area

(cm2)

Increased

area for each

additional

animal (cm2)

Comments


7A Snakes: greater


<120cm in length

120cm x 90cm x

90cm

2 10,800sqc

m

Note: The keeping of

Reptiles and

Amphibians outdoors

COMES WITH BIG

WARNINGS (refer to

Housing and Husbandry

section).

7B Snakes: greater

than >120 less than

<180cm in length

120cm x 90cm x

90cm

2 10,800sqc

m

N/A

7C Snakes: greater

than >180cm less

than 300cm in length

180cm x 90cm x 90cm

2 16,200sqc

m

N/A

7D Snakes: greater

than >300cm in

length

240cm x 120cm x 90cm

2 28,800sqc

m

N/A

Enclosure Category 8 - Geckos


Example (cm):

WIDTH (W) x DEPTH

(D) x HEIGHT (H)

Number of

animal(s) per

cage

Minimum

Floor area

(cm2)

Increased

area for each

additional

animal (cm2)

Comments

8A Geckos: less than

<25cm snout to vent

length (SV)

22cm x 12cm x 12cm 2 264sqcm N/A Note: Screen mesh

enclosure.

8B Geckos: greater

than >25cm snout to

vent length (SV)

42cm x 42cm x 76cm 6 1764sqcm N/A Note: Screen mesh

enclosure.

Enclosure Category 9 - Skinks

9A Skinks: greater

than >20 less than

<40cm total length

120cm x 90cm x

90cm

6 10,800sqc

m

Note: Skinks housed

together can be very

territorial and

aggressive. Monitoring

of behaviour is

required.

9B Skinks: greater

than >40 less than

<80cm total length

120cm x 90cm x 90cm

4 10,800sqc

m


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Enclosure Category 10 - Dragons

10A Dragons: less

than <30cm total

length

42cm x 42cm x 76cm 4 1764sqcm Note: Most species of

dragons can be kept

outdoors (refer to

Housing and

Husbandry section).

10B Dragons: greater


<50cm total length

120cm x 90cm x

90cm

6 10,800sqc

m

10C Dragons: greater

than >50 less than <

90cm total length

120cm x 90cm x

90cm

2 10,800sqc

m

Enclosure Category 11 - Monitors

11A Monitors:

greater than >30cm

total length

120cm x 90cm x

90cm

6 10,800sqc

m

Note: Most species of

Monitors can be kept

outdoors with careful

planning (refer to


section).

11B Monitors:

greater than >30cm


length

120cm x 90cm x

90cm

2 10,800sqc

m

11C Monitors:

greater than >60cm

less than <120cm

total length

180cm x 90cm x 90cm

1 16,200sqc

m

Suspended enclosure

11D Monitors:

greater than >120cm

total length

3m x 2.0m x 1.8m 2 60000sqc

m

Enclosure Category 12 – Legless Lizards

12A Legless Lizards:


length

42cm x 42cm x 76cm 6 1764sqcm Note: Screen mesh

enclosure or habitat

Note: Most species of

Legless Lizards can be

kept outdoors (refer to


section).

12B Legless Lizards:

greater than >30cm


length

120cm x 90cm x

90cm

3 10,800sqc

m


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Enclosure Category 13 Turtles


Example (cm):

WIDTH (W) x

DEPTH (D) x

HEIGHT (H)

Number of

animal(s) per

cage

Minimum

Floor area

(cm2)

Increased

area for each

additional

animal (cm2)

Comments

13A Turtles: greater

than >10 less than

<20cm Carapace

length

3m x 2.0m x 1.8m Outdoor pond

measuring 2m x

1.2m x 0.6m water

depth

12 60000sqc

m

Note: It is advisable to

keep and maintain

juvenile turtles

indoors. Most species

of freshwater turtles

can be kept in outdoor

ponds (refer to Housing

and Husbandry

section).

13B Turtles: greater

than > 20cm

Carapace length

3m x 2.0m x 1.8m Outdoor pond measuring 2m x 1.2m x 0.6m water depth

8 60000sqc

m


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Reptiles and Amphibians on the States and Territories of

Australia Trading List

Enclosure examples (cm): WIDTH (W) x DEPTH (D) x HEIGHT (H)

Image 1: A Spotted Python Antaresia maculosa 45cm in length. 60cm in length, housed in a 26cm (W) x 16cm

(D) x 16cm (H) clear enclosure with a coloured ventilated lid (minimum floor area 416sqcm).

Image 2: An Inland Carpet Python Morelia metcalfei. (same enclosure as above)

Images 3 & 4: A Spotted Python Antaresia maculosa 120cm in length, housed in a 60cm (W) x 45cm (D) x 50cm

glass enclosure, landscaped with furniture, hide and water bowl (minimum floor area 2700sqcm).

Image 1: A Spotted Python Antaresia maculosa maculosa

maculosa

Image 2: An Inland Carpet Python Morelia metcalfei

Image 3: A Spotted Python Antaresia maculosa maculosa

maculosa Image 4: A Spotted Python Antaresia

maculosa maculosa maculosa


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Image 5: An Inland Bearded Dragon, Pogona vitticeps 35cm in length

Image 6: Six Inland Bearded Dragons Pogona vitticeps 14cm in length, housed in a 60cm (W) x

45cm (D) x 50cm glass enclosure, landscaped with furniture and water bowl. This enclosure

can house 3 sub-adults, 2 adults or up to 6 juveniles (minimum floor area 2700sqcm

Images 7 & 8: Smooth Knob-tailed Geckos/Gecko, Nephurus levis greater than >12cm (SV)

length, housed in a 30cm (W) x 30cm (D) x 30cm (H) glass enclosure with furniture, sand

substrate, hide and shallow water dish (minimum floor area 900sqcm).

Image 5; An Inland Bearded Dragon, Pogona

Vitticeps

Image 6: Six Inland Bearded Dragons, Pogona Vitticeps

Image 7: Two Smooth Knob-Tailed Geckos,

Nephurus Levis

Image 8: Smooth Knob-Tailed Geckos, Nephurus

Levis


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Images 9 & 10: Green Tree Frog Litoria caerulea

Images 11 & 12: Macleay’s River Turtle Emydura macquarii

Images 9 & 10: Green Tree Frog Litoria caerulea, 8 cm (SV) length, housed in a 45cm (W) x

45cm (D) x 60cm (H) glass enclosure with furniture, live plants and aquarium gravel and a

water depth 10 cm (Images 11 & 12: Macleay’s River Turtle Emydura macquarii minimum

floor area

Images 11: Macleay’s River Turtle Emydura macquarii, 3 x12 cm carapace length and housed

in a 90cm (W) x 40cm (D) x 30cm (H) glass tank with furniture, silk plants, turtle doc,

aquarium gravel and a water depth 20 cm (minimum floor area 2700sqcm).


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Images 12: 6 x Macleay’s River Turtle Emydura macquarii, 7 cm carapace length. (same tank

size as above)

Images 13 & 14: Two Diamond Pythons Morelia spilota spilota

Images 13 & 14:

2 x Diamond Pythons Morelia spilota spilota, 120cm in length, housed in a 240cm (W) x

120cm (D) x 210cm (H) outdoor enclosure with furniture, hide box with a gravel substrate and

a water feature at a depth of 10 cm (minimum floor area 28,800sqcm).


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Appendix 1: States and Territories of Australia Reptile and Amphibian Licensing Systems

The following is a summary of the current licensing systems for States and Territories of

Australia:

Tasmania (TAS)

Parks and Wildlife Service

GPO Box 1751

Hobart TAS 7001

http://www.parks.tas.gov.au

1300 827 727

There are three species of snakes, seventeen species of lizards and eleven species of frogs

found in Tasmania.

Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania do not allow a Reptiles and Amphibians licensing system.

It is illegal to sell Reptiles and Amphibians through pet shops.

Victoria (VIC)

State Government Victoria Department of Environment and Primary Industries

PO BOX 500

Melbourne VIC 8002

http://www.depi.vic.gov.au

136 186

Victoria has a Reptiles and Amphibians licensing system. Reptiles and Amphibians can be sold

through pet shops in Victoria in three categories:

1. ANIMALS OF CAPTIVE-BRED WILDLIFE THAT MAY BE HELD FOR PRIVATE PURPOSES WITHOUT A

LICENCE

2. ANIMALS THAT MAY BE HELD PRIVATELY UNDER A WILDLIFE BASIC LICENCE VICTORIA

3. ANIMALS THAT MAY BE HELD PRIVATELY UNDER A WILDLIFE ADVANCED LICENCE.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

ACT Government Territory and Municipal Services GPO Box 158

Canberra ACT 2601

http://www.tams.act.gov.au/

13 22 81

The ACT has a Reptiles and Amphibians licensing system. Reptiles and Amphibians can be sold through pet shops in the ACT in three categories:

http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/

http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/

http://www.tams.act.gov.au/


P a g e | 69

1. CATEGORY A: refers to captive-bred reptiles that can be kept by individuals with no prior

experience in keeping such animals. These include exempt species and species considered

relatively easy to maintain, regularly bred in captivity and suited to the Canberra climate.

2. CATEGORY B: includes species of captive-bred reptiles 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. Generally applicants for species on this list must be 15 years of age or over.

3. CATEGORY C: refers to captive-bred reptiles suitable for keeping for hobby purposes for highly

experienced herpetologists. Applicants must have at least one year’s experience with keeping

Category B species and two years of experience in keeping Category A species.

New South Wales (NSW)

NSW Government Office of Environment & Heritage

PO BOX A290

SYDNEY SOUTH NSW 1232

NSW Government Office of Environment & Heritage

[email protected]

(02) 9995 5000

On the 25th March 2015, the NSW Government Office of Environment and Heritage

announced new rules that would allow eight species of snakes, five species of lizards and two

species of turtles to be sold in pet stores in NSW.

Queensland (QLD)

Queensland Government Department of Natural Resources and Mines

Department of Natural Resources and Mines

PO Box 15216

CITY EAST QLD 4002

www.derm.qld.gov.au

13 74 68

The Queensland Government Department of Environment and Heritage Protection allows

three species of snakes, eight species of lizards and four species of turtles to be sold in pet

stores in QLD.

Northern Territory (NT)

Northern Territory Government Parks and Wildlife Commission NT

PO BOX 496

PALMERSTON NT 0831

http://www.parksandwildlife.nt.gov.au

(08) 8999 4555

The NT allows three species of snakes, eight species of lizards and four species of turtles to be

sold in pet stores in the NT.

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/

http://www.parksandwildlife.nt.gov.au/


P a g e | 70

Western Australia (WA)

Government of Western Australia Parks and Wildlife

17 Dick Perry Ave

Technology Park Western Precinct

KENSINGTON WA 6151

http://www.dpaw.wa.gov.au

(08) 9219 9000

The Government of Western Australia Department of Parks and Wildlife has a reptiles and amphibians licensing system. Reptiles and amphibians can be sold through pet shops in WA in four categories:

1. CATEGORY 2: nine species of lizards and two species of frog to be sold in pet stores in WA.

2. CATEGORY 3: two species of snakes, six species of lizards, one species of frog and one species of

turtle to be sold in pet stores in WA.

3. CATEGORY 4: five species of snakes, five species of lizards, one species of frog and one species of

turtle to be sold in pet stores in WA.

4. CATEGORY 5: eleven species of snakes and two species of lizards to be sold in pet stores in WA.

South Australia (SA)

Government of South Australia

Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources

GPO BOX 1047

ADELAIDE SA 5001

http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/contact-us

(08) 8204 1910

The Government of South Australia’s Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources has a Reptiles and Amphibians licensing system. Reptiles and Amphibians can be sold through pet shops in the SA in three categories:

1. Exempt Species List 1: two species of frogs to be sold in pet stores in SA.

2. Exempt Species List 2: thirteen species of lizards and two species of turtles to be sold in pet stores in SA.

3. Basic Reptile List: two species of snakes, six species of lizards and one species of turtle to be sold in pet stores in SA.

http://www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/

http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/contact-us


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Version 1.0 Created by Brad Walker 2015 PO BOX 7034 WILBERFORCE NSW 2756 (02) 4576 3491

Appendix 2: Reptile Specimen Card

Reptile Specimen Card Specimen

Name:

Origin:

Photo

Date Photo Taken: / /

Sex: Individual ID:

Date & Place of Birth: Age on Arrival:

Growth History

Date Age Weight Length Date Age Weight Length


P a g e | 72


Appendix 3: Reptile and Specimen Food and Slough Chart

Reptile Specimen Food and Slough Chart Date Food Type/Slough Date Food Type/Slough Date Food Type/Slough


P a g e | 73

Appendix 4: Stock Movements

Stock Movements Date From To Comments Date From To Comments

Treatment History

Date Comments Date Comments



P a g e | 74

Breeding History

Date Comments Date Comments

Other Notes/Observations (e.g. behaviour, diet changes, etc.)

Appendix 4 (continued): Stock Movements



P a g e | 75

Bibliography Aland, K. (2008). Dragons, Family Agamidae. In M. Swan (Ed.), Keeping and Breeding Australian Lizards. Lilydale: Mike Swan Herp Books. Aland, K. (2007). Parasites, quarantine and captive reptiles. Proceedings of the Care of Australian Reptiles and Amphibians Conference, Castle Hill. Australian Museum. (2015). Freshwater Crocodile. Retrieved from http://australianmuseum.net.au/freshwater-crocodile Brown, D. (2012). A Guide to Australian Geckos and Pygopods in Captivity. Burleigh: ABK Publications. Brown, D. (2014). A Guide to Australian Lizards in Captivity. Burleigh: ABK Publications. Cogger, H. G. (2000). Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. Sydney: Reed New Holland. Ehmann, H. (1992). Encyclopaedia of Australian Animals: Reptiles. Pymble: Angus & Robertson. Eipper, S. (2012). A Guide to Australian Frogs in Captivity. Burleigh: Reptile Publications. Eipper, S. (2012). A Guide to Australian Snakes in Captivity. Burleigh: ABK Publications. Elliott, A. (2012). A Guide to Australian Frogs in Captivity. Australia: ABK Publications. Greer, A. E. (2006). Encyclopedia of Australian Reptiles. Retrieved from http://www. amonline.net.au/herpetology/research/encyclopedia. Greer, A. E. (1990). The Biology and Evolution of Australian Lizards. Chipping Norton: Surrey Beatty & Sons Pty Ltd. Griffiths, K. (2006). Frogs and Reptiles of the Sydney Region. Sydney: Reed New Holland. Jackson, S. M. (2003). Standardizing captive‐management manuals: guidelines for terrestrial vertebrates. International Zoo Yearbook, 38(1), 229-243. Retrieved from Wiley Online Library. Phillips, C. (2008). The Nutritional Requirements of Captive Reptiles. Reptiles Australia. 4(6), 50-4. Retrieved from Proquest database.

Swan, M. (2007). Keeping and Breeding Australian Pythons. Lilydale: Mike Swan Herp. Books.

Swan, M. (2008). Keeping and Breeding Australian Lizards. Lilydale: Mike Swan Herp. Books. Swan, M. (2009). Keeping and Breeding Australian Reptiles. Lilydale: Mike Swan Herp. Books. Webb, G. & Manolis, C. (1989). Crocodiles of Australia. Chatswood: Reed. Weigel, J. (1988). Care of Australian Reptiles in Captivity. Gosford: Reptile Keepers Association. Wilson. S. & Swan, G. (2004). A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia. Australia: Reed New Holland. Wilson, S. K. & Knowles, D. G. (1992). Australia’s Reptiles, A Photographic reference to the Terrestrial Reptiles of Australia. Pymble: Angus & Robertson. Worrell, E. (1966). Reptiles of Australia. Sydney: Angus and Robertson.

Author: Brad Walker @ Australian Fauna Supplies and Services October 2015. Copyright: You may download, display, print and reproduce this material provided that the wording is reproduced exactly and the source is

acknowledged. Acknowledgement: I owe a great debt and gratitude to many dedicated friends and colleagues who have assisted me in many ways. I could not have

written this recommendation alone and without their help it would not exist. A special thank you to Anthony Stimson, John Grima and Ben Dessens


P a g e | 76

for their contribution to this document. I have spent many hours with reptile and amphibian keepers and pet shop owners. Thank you Graeme

Phipps, Tim Faulkner, Adam Sapiano, Jacki Salkeld, Liza Sommers, Renae Griffiths, Kim Peries and PIAA staff.

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