ACMSPE315 Provide general care of common native mammals

Release: 1

ACMSPE315 Provide general care of common native mammals

Modification History

Release	Comments
Release 1	This version released with ACM Animal Care and Management Training Package Version 4.0.

Application

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.

Pre-requisite Unit

Nil

Unit Sector

Species Specific (SPE)

Elements and Performance Criteria

Elements	Performance Criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes.	Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.
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

Foundation Skills

This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.

Skill	Description
Reading	Interpret key information and quantities specified on product labels
Numeracy	Measure quantities of food and/or health treatments accurately

Unit Mapping Information

Code and title current version	Code and title previous version	Comments	Equivalence status
ACMSPE315 Provide general care of common native mammals	ACMSPE303 Provide basic care of common native mammals	Changed title Minor changes to performance criteria for clarity Assessment requirements updated	Equivalent

Links

Companion Volumes, including Implementation Guides, are available at VETNet: - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=b75f4b23-54c9-4cc9-a5db-d3502d154103