Yes, owning a kangaroo in Argentina is legal only under strict provincial and federal wildlife conservation statutes, with ownership prohibited in most jurisdictions. The 2023 Ley Nacional de Conservación de la Fauna Silvestre (Law 22.421) and provincial regulations (e.g., Buenos Aires’ Decreto 666/2021) classify kangaroos as protected native fauna, requiring special permits for captivity. Exotic species ownership falls under the Secretaría de Ambiente y Desarrollo Sustentable (SAyDS) and provincial wildlife agencies, which enforce bans unless for scientific, educational, or conservation purposes.
Key Regulations for Owning a Kangaroo in Argentina
- Permit Requirement: Ownership mandates a Permiso de Tenencia de Fauna Silvestre issued by provincial wildlife authorities, with proof of legal acquisition (e.g., captive-bred specimens from CITES-approved facilities). Federal approval is required for interprovincial transport under Resolución 1030/2020.
- Prohibited Provinces: Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Santa Fe explicitly ban private kangaroo ownership via provincial decrees, citing ecological risks. Only Tierra del Fuego permits controlled captivity for educational institutions.
- CITES Compliance: Imported kangaroos (e.g., Macropus rufus) must comply with CITES Appendix II, requiring prior authorization from the Dirección Nacional de Biodiversidad (DNA). Non-compliance risks confiscation under Ley 24.344.