Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:53 AM AWST

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Provide general care of common native mammals

Provide general care of common native mammals

Unit of competency
National Code
ACMSPE315
State Code
ODC40
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 common native mammals 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 native mammals. This may include animal shelters or rehabilitation organisations, pet shops, zoos and animal technology facilities 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.This 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 mammals
  • 1.1 Define the habitat, activity cycle and general features of native mammals commonly cared for in facility
  • 1.2 Identify and describe external features of native mammals using industry terminology
  • 1.3 Classify native mammals according to their taxonomy
  • 1.4 Define, interpret and document colours, markings and other identifying features
2. Identify and evaluate behavioural and housing needs
  • 2.1 Identify indicators of animal comfort and normal behaviour
  • 2.2 Recognise signs of distress and report to supervisor
  • 2.3 Identify industry standards and guidelines for housing design, environmental factors and appropriate stocking densities
  • 2.4 Assess current animal housing design in relation to the welfare of animals kept and legislation requirements
  • 2.5 Identify and implement behavioural enrichment activities for specific animal species
3. Catch, handle and restrain native mammals
  • 3.1 Identify workplace health and safety risks associated with handling and restraining native mammals and implement methods to minimise risks
  • 3.2 Select and use appropriate handling equipment and personal protective equipment to catch, handle and restrain native mammals
  • 3.3 Approach, catch and restrain native mammals safely using low stress handling techniques to minimise risks to the animal and others
4. Assist with health care needs
  • 4.1 Identify signs of good health in native mammals
  • 4.2 Report signs of disease or other conditions to supervisor
  • 4.3 Identify general health maintenance and preventative treatment procedures and implement in line with level of job responsibility
5. Feed native mammals
  • 5.1 Identify digestive system features and relate to native mammal specific feeding routines and diets
  • 5.2 Identify preferred food sources and assess for quality and suitability
  • 5.3 Identify potential feeding hazards and implement risk control options
  • 5.4 Prepare food in accordance with 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
BBF00 ACMSPE303 Provide basic care of common native mammals Unit of competency