Unit of competency
Modification History
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Release |
TP Version |
Comment |
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1 |
AHCv1.0 |
Initial release |
Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to effectively use leg hold traps to capture predator species, to release the animal unharmed as part of research programs or to humanely euthanase in accordance with pest management programs.
This unit primarily deals with the use of leg or foothold traps to capture predator pest species including dogs, foxes and cats. Animals may be native animals, domestic animals, animals determined to be pests or feral animals. Trapping techniques call for the use of a variety of equipment and may include the use of lures or attractants baits.
Trapping must be carried out in accordance with an approved pest management plan or research project plan.
This unit applies to individuals who work under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work. They use discretion and judgement in the selection and use of available resources.
Some forms of traps are strictly regulated in some States and Territories in Australia. Specific determination should be sought through the relevant State or Territory authority.
Where feral animals are trapped they may need to be euthanased with a firearm. Firearms licensing conditions apply to this unit, in particular the use of either Cat A, B or C firearms. Specific approval should be sought through the relevant State or Territory Firearms licensing agency.
Appropriate firearms licences and training are also required for those involved in training and assessment against this unit.
In addition to legal responsibilities, all units of competency dealing with animals in the AHC Training Package have the requirements for animals to be handled humanely to minimise stress and discomfort.
Pre-requisite Unit
Nil.
Unit Sector
Pest Management (PMG)
Elements and Performance Criteria
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Element |
Performance criteria |
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Elements describe the essential outcomes. |
Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
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1. Prepare for trapping |
1.1 Identify purpose of animal capture and set objectives 1.2 Confirm the location and extent of the pest problem 1.3 Confirm target animal movement patterns and behaviour to determine trapping location and placement of equipment 1.4 Identify non-target animals present in the area 1.5 Estimate time required to complete trapping 1.6 Identify and check vehicles, materials and equipment required for trapping 1.7 Clean and maintain trapping equipment and prepare traps for trapping 1.8 Identify hazards associated with trapping and select appropriate personal protective equipment 1.9 Identify environmental risks associated with trapping animals 1.10 Determine correct protocols or requirements for entering and working on private and public land 1.11 Obtain relevant permissions and permits to enter property 1.12 Identify necessary precautions for minimising trapping of non-target animals 1.13 Tune, modify and prepare traps in working order to minimise non-target capture |
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2. Place and set traps |
2.1 Undertake site surveillance prior to setting traps 2.2 Identify and interpret signs of target animal 2.3 Select and prepare trap site to maximise opportunity for trapping target animals 2.4 Position, set and calibrate trapping equipment and check it for strength and security 2.5 Apply lures, decoys or baits and toxins as required 2.6 Camouflage traps as required 2.7 Apply precautions to prevent trapping of non-target animals |
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3. Check and remove traps |
3.1 Inspect traps at the required frequency 3.2 Identify trapped animals then release, destroy or prepare for transport as required 3.3 Handle captured animals humanely according to animal welfare Codes of Practice 3.4 Transport animals from site, when required, in a safe and appropriate manner 3.5 Observe work health and safety procedures and public safety requirements prior to and during trapping activities 3.6 Release trap mechanism safely and remove trap 3.7 Restore trap-site to its prior condition |
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4. Record data |
4.1 Record details of trap sets and lures as well as target and non-target capture 4.2 Report results of trapping activities, including any incidents with animals 4.3 Report trapping results in relation to approved management plan 4.4 Record trap locations and capture using Global Positioning System (GPS) device, approved software or maps, where required |
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5. Clean and store equipment and material |
5.1 Remove, retain or dispose of carcases as required 5.2 Clean and store and maintain equipment and materials |
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range of Conditions
Unit Mapping Information
New unit - No equivalent.
Links
Companion Volume implementation guides are found in VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=c6399549-9c62-4a5e-bf1a-524b2322cf72
