Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 4:59 AM AWST

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Provide general care of amphibians

Provide general care of amphibians

Unit of competency
National Code
ACMSPE313
State Code
ODC43
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
13/04/2021
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
26/07/2021
Field of Education
050105 - Animal Husbandry
Original Release Date
26/07/2021
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify amphibians and their behavioural and physical needs, and provide daily care requirements.This unit applies to individuals working in the animal care industry where it may be necessary to care for commonly kept amphibians. This may include work in animal shelters or rehabilitation organisations, pet shops, zoos or similar workplaces. In some cases, animals may have been rescued from the wild and successful rehabilitation is required to restore animal health and wellbeing before releasing back to their natural environment.The unit applies to individuals who work under broad supervision and provide and communicate solutions to a range of predictable problems.All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures according to Commonwealth and state/territory health and safety and animal welfare regulations, legislation and standards that apply to the workplace.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Identify amphibians
  • 1.1 Define the habitat, activity cycle and general features of amphibians commonly cared for in the facility
  • 1.2 Identify and describe external features using industry terminology
  • 1.3 Classify amphibians according to taxonomy
  • 1.4 Define, interpret and document colours, markings and other identifying features
2. Identify and evaluate behavioural and housing needs
  • 2.1 Monitor water quality and make adjustments as required to maintain optimum water quality appropriate for the species being housed, as directed by supervisor
  • 2.2 Identify indicators of animal comfort and normal behaviour and recognise signs of distressed amphibians and report to supervisor
  • 2.3 Identify industry standards and guidelines for housing design, environmental factors and appropriate stocking densities
  • 2.4 Evaluate current animal housing design to ensure animal welfare needs are met
  • 2.5 Implement behavioural enrichment activities for specific species of amphibian
3. Approach and handle amphibians
  • 3.1 Identify workplace health and safety hazards associated with handling and restraining amphibians and implement controls to minimise risks
  • 3.2 Select and use appropriate handling equipment and personal protective equipment to catch and handle amphibian
  • 3.3 Approach amphibian safely
  • 3.4 Handle amphibians using low stress handling techniques to minimise risks to the animal and others
4. Assist with health care needs
  • 4.1 Identify signs of health in amphibian
  • 4.2 Report signs of disease or other conditions to supervisor
  • 4.3 Implement general health maintenance and preventative treatment procedures according to level of job responsibility
5. Feed amphibians
  • 5.1 Identify digestive system features and relate to amphibian-specific feeding routines and diets
  • 5.2 Identify preferred food source and assess samples for quality and suitability
  • 5.3 Identify potential feeding hazards and implement risk control options
  • 5.4 Prepare food and approved supplements according to dietary needs
  • 5.5 Distribute food and water according to schedule, feeding plan or animal requirements
6. Maintain records
  • 6.1 Complete feed and treatment records noting food consumption, health and care activities
  • 6.2 Report abnormalities to supervisor
  • 6.3 Complete documentation relevant to licences and transport, where required
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
BBD85 ACMSPE301 Provide basic care of amphibians Unit of competency