A man has been ordered to pay more than $60,000 for importing threatened and protected lizard species.

Zaixi Zheng, 20, was sentenced in Downing Centre Local Court in Sydney on Wednesday on charges relating to the trafficking of 25 native lizards.

An investigation by the Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water Department (DCCEEW) identified two of the animals as western blue tongue lizards, a threatened species in NSW.

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The remaining 23 were common blue tongue lizards

Zheng was ordered to pay $48,000 in fines for two offences of breaching the Biodiversity Conservation Act and two more charges brought by NSW Police for unlawfully dealing in protected animals.

He was also made to pay $15,000 to cover the costs of the prosecutor.

The penalty has been lauded by the DCCEEW which hopes it will deter future offenders.

“Our native animals are not commodities to be traded and we will act against those who seek to profit from them unlawfully,” Biodiversity and Heritage Regulator chief regulatory officer Adam Gilligan said.

“Illegal dealing and possession of protected wildlife undermines years of conservation work and places unnecessary stress and harm on vulnerable species.

“Protecting biodiversity remains a core priority for the department. NSW authorities will continue working closely with law enforcement partners to disrupt this illegal trade.”

Two western blue tongue lizards, a threatened native species, imported by a 20-year-old man in NSW. Credit: NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

The man was fined for importing a total of 25 blue tongue lizards. Credit: NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

It is illegal to trade, buy, sell, import, export or possess threatened or protected native animals without the approval of the NSW Government.

The DCCEEW says the act “threatens our unique biodiversity and undermines conservation efforts” and could lead to serious consequences for those found guilty.

“NSW authorities take wildlife crime seriously, and individuals, including temporary visa holders, should be aware that engaging in wildlife trafficking can result in criminal charges, fines, a criminal record and potential visa consequences,” the department said.

Anyone with information about suspected wildlife trafficking or illegal possession of native animals has been urged to report it to NSW Environment.