Wildlife Act 1953 (New Zealand)
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The Wildlife Act 1953 is an Act of Parliament in New Zealand. This legislation is primarily aimed at protecting wildlife, including some of New Zealand’s most endangered species.[1] It achieves this by regulating how people interact with wildlife.[1]
The Act covers all native birds, bats, frogs, and reptiles, including those that visit New Zealand such as godwits and sea turtles. It also covers some native invertebrates and marine species.[1] In total, it currently covers 869 native species, including 394 birds, 3 bats, 3 frogs, 133 reptiles, 44 insects, 3 spiders, 24 snails, 9 marine fish, and 256 corals.[1]
Most introduced birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians that are living in the wild in New Zealand are also covered by the Act, currently a total of 72 species.[1] However, it does not cover whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions, freshwater fish, plants, rabbits, hares, and certain introduced animals.[1]
Violations of the Act, such as hunting, killing, eating, or possessing protected species, may be punished with fines of up to $100,000. The Act has a tiered system with different levels of protection depending on the species.[1] For instance, ‘absolutely protected’ wildlife means that without a permit from the Department of Conservation, it’s an offence to catch, hunt, kill, buy, sell, possess, hold in captivity, release, or export the animal.[1]
External links
- Wildlife Act 1953 New Zealand Legislation website
- Wildlife Act 1953 Department of Conservation/Te Papa Atawhai