Australian man fined for possessing 700+ taxidermied animals

A 74-year-old man from Kyneton has been fined $10,000 after being convicted of possessing and selling more than 700 dead native animals. The collection, discovered during a Conservation Regulator investigation in April 2025, included taxidermied and frozen specimens of birds, reptiles, and mammals.

Among the remains were 78 emus, 42 brushtail possums, and 26 echidnas, as well as threatened species such as the barking owl, diamond python, and Murray River short-necked turtle. Investigators also found 15 live reptiles in enclosures. The man pleaded guilty to charges including illegal possession and sale of wildlife, unauthorized taking of wildlife, and animal welfare violations.