There are three categories of reptile in the ACT. Category A animals may be kept without previous experience, Category B may be kept with two years' experience of keeping any of Category A, and Category C may be kept with two years' experience of keeping any of Category B. There are quite a few species that can be kept on a hobbyist licence (Category A) in the ACT. Species that can be kept on a hobbyists licence are:

• eastern long-necked turtle
• eastern blue-tongued skink
• blotched blue-tongued skink
• shingleback skink
• eastern water dragon
• diamond python
• carpet python
• water python

Long-necked turtles, eastern and blotched blue tongues may be bought and sold without a licence.

Applications to keep reptiles must be accompanied by details of the seller, your previous experience and details of the housing for the animal.

The individual you purchase must be captive-bred. Licences will not be given to keep an animal for novelty purposes, such as a mascot. Get a fish instead.

Have a look at this site for more info: http://www.tams.act.gov.au/live/environment/native_plants_and_animals/licensing_of_plants_and_animals.

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