Exporting australian snakes

[FrostFG]

One of the guys in a german forum asked me if it is actually possible to export a australian snake and I couldn't answer this question. For me it would be of particular interest if I can take my own pet snake (given that I own it for a while) with me when I leave the country permanently.
I heard it might be possible for educational purposes. Own pet = educational purpose?!?
So please give me some information on a) in general, b) own pet

 

[shellfisch]

My understanding is that the answer is a big fat NO. Not for any reason.
I am sure someone on here will be quick to contradict me if I am wrong

 

[Cheyne_Jones]

Not a chance at all...

Not legally anyway...

 

[FAY]

Maybe if it is to go to a German zoo. If not ...NO.

 

[Nagraj]

It's certainly possible as attested by the appearance of albino carpets outside Australia, but it's definitely not legal.

 

[solar 17]

My point of view [but not relevant to this threads question].l personally can't see any reason why we can't export some of our more common species as eating hatchies [4-6 months old] to prevent "most" harvesting with maybe two visits from the relevant states rangers, 1st visit as one week old hatchies, 2nd in the 4-6 month period to view advancements in growth and health [with the user to pay for the visits] an example of some of the species l feel could be exported : jungles, bredlis, macs, brizzies.....cheers solar 17 [Baden]

 

[aussie-albino]

All of the above, its a shame though, it would put a large dent in illegal poaching if it was allowed.

cheers
Scott

 

[Retic]

Prohibition NEVER works, I agree with Solar. The animals we breed are pets and are of no conservation value so why not allow them to be exported ? They have all our species overseas anyway so I don't suppose it really matters.

 

[FrostFG]

Thanks guys
By the way: I totally agree with Solar and Boa

 

[AUSHERP]

thats right, when something is illegal, crime will find a way. the only problem i see with it is, if we open up the market and include another 300 million people (USA) how long before our captive breeds cant keep up?, poachers will see the money and within 20 years the wildies will be dried up too. in a way i guess it is a conservation effort, even if they dont realise.

 

[Pythoninfinite]

300 million people in the US aren't hanging out to get their hands on Aussie stuff bred here - they already have it in huge numbers over there. I spent some weeks in the US in 1995 and you could get any sort of Aussie python (with the odd exception of Murray Darlings) for less than $200, and that was in 1995. They have been captive breeding our stuff for far longer and in greater numbers than we have.

The market would far sooner have clean, captive bred animals than wild-caught. It's only a few specialists who seek to obtain wild-caught, specialised animals from known locales.

Jamie

 

[trader]

One of the guys in a german forum asked me if it is actually possible to export a australian snake and I couldn't answer this question.

.. it is illegal to export/import reptiles to and from Australia, unless you are a Zoo, and even then it is very difficult. The penalties are quite severe.

 

[Kenshin]

.. it is illegal to export/import reptiles to and from Australia, unless you are a Zoo, and even then it is very difficult. The penalties are quite severe.

other people in the past that have been caught smuggling have got a mere slap on the wrist and small fine...... im sure if they got just one pair of rough scale pythons out they would be rolling in coin

 

[GeckoJosh]

300 million people in the US aren't hanging out to get their hands on Aussie stuff bred here -

Jamie

I think you will find that the larger breeders would be quite eager to get hold of some pure specimens, particularly Carpets

 

[FrostFG]

Just to make some things clear: I am studying here in Australia and almost nobody knows where he ends up after that (especially not in the mining industry). So it was a reasonable question if I can keep the pet I love after that (considering that a snake could be with me half my life).
I am not interested in illegal trading or even breeding of my animal
Could someone give me the official site dealing with these things? Couldn't find it...
EDIT: by the way, how do you smuggle a 2.5 m temperature sensitive animal I am pretty sure it doesn't fit in someones pocket.

 

[Chadleystar]

OK I think the site you are after (and I may be wrong) is Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) there is a section in there and a complete list of animals and what can and can not be imported or exported. There is also a section in there that states:

Import and Export of CITES Specimens for Non-Commercial Purposes

The import or export of CITES specimens may be permitted if it is for an eligible non-commercial purpose. Eligible non-commercial purposes include research, education, exhibition, conservation breeding or propagation, a travelling exhibition or as a household pet or personal item. Strict criteria apply to recognition of these eligible purposes.

CITES stands for Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.

The only other thing I can suggest is that you call the EPA (enviromental protection agancy) and they should be able to give you more information

 

[python_dan89]

the boys in blue are watching you lol jks

 

[Retic]

The simple answer is that you will not under any circumstances be able to take your snake with you. I'm not entirely sure of the Governments reasoning behind it as it hasn't stopped every species being widely available the world over but that's the way it is.

Just to make some things clear: I am studying here in Australia and almost nobody knows where he ends up after that (especially not in the mining industry). So it was a reasonable question if I can keep the pet I love after that (considering that a snake could be with me half my life).
I am not interested in illegal trading or even breeding of my animal
Could someone give me the official site dealing with these things? Couldn't find it...
EDIT: by the way, how do you smuggle a 2.5 m temperature sensitive animal I am pretty sure it doesn't fit in someones pocket.

 

[AUSHERP]

jamie, we arent just talking about pythons, a comment was made that we should be able to export aussie reptiles, if this was the case captivity could not keep up and it would just end up being another added pressure on our wildies..... for example shinglebacks for one are highly prized in japan.

 

[Pythoninfinite]

That's true... small litters and high desirability do pose a risk I guess. I can't get my head around why anyone would want to keep a shingleback in the first place, but you are correct, they are a priced species overseas...

Jamie