Permits and Approvals


Permits from the NS Department of Natural Resources and Renewables (NS NR&R) are required for a variety of different activities. The following are some of the common Biodiversity related permits.

For a full list of 'Permits, Licenses, Approvals, Registrations, and Certifications' administered by NS NR&R visit: https://novascotia.ca/snsmr/paal/ndxNR&R.asp

For additional information on any of these please contact us.

Captive Wildlife Permit
For Who: Anyone who wants to keep live wildlife, either native or "exotic" (that is, not native to Nova Scotia), in captivity in Nova Scotia.
More Information: https://novascotia.ca/snsmr/paal/NR&R/paal085.asp
Falconry Permit
For Who: Any resident of Nova Scotia who wants to keep a bird of prey (raptor) in their possession to use in the sport or business of falconry. (This includes falcons, merlins, hawks, etc.)
More Information: https://novascotia.ca/snsmr/paal/NR&R/paal116.asp
Scientific Permit
For Who: Anyone who wants to hunt, capture or export -- for scientific or educational purposes -- wildlife animals, nests or eggs that may not otherwise be legally taken in Nova Scotia.
More Information: https://novascotia.ca/snsmr/paal/NR&R/paal087.asp
CITES Export Permit
For Who: Anyone who wants to export wildlife from Nova Scotia which is listed on CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species).
More Information: https://novascotia.ca/snsmr/paal/NR&R/paal089.asp
Import Permit
For Who: Anyone who wants to bring any live wildlife, either native or "exotic" (that is, not native to Nova Scotia) into Nova Scotia.
More Information: https://novascotia.ca/snsmr/paal/NR&R/paal090.asp
Endangered Species Permit
For Who: Anyone conducting research on a species listed under the NS Endangered Species Act (NS ESA) Regulations or with a health or safety concern associated with a listed species.
More Information: see Section 14 of the NS ESA: https://nslegislature.ca/legc/bills/57th_1st/3rd_read/b065.htm