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The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included. |
Commonly available non-venomous reptiles may include: | lizardsmonitors and goannasnon-venomous snakestortoises and turtles. |
Behavioural characteristics may include: | behaviour characteristics can vary according to:the breeding seasonthe species, breed, age and sex of the animalsthe time of day or nightbehaviour characteristics associated with different species:activity levels at certain times of day or nightfeeding and foragingfight or flightreproductive behaviourssocial interactionfeeding behavioursdefensive behaviour:defending territory, other animals or foodhiding or retreating. |
Colours, markings and other identifying features may include: | age, sex and sizecoat or skin colours and textureeye colourmarkings, patterns and permanent scarsmicrochip, ear tags, tattoos and markings and leg bands. |
Indicators of poor water quality may include: | colourodourunsuitable water chemistry parameters. |
Water quality adjustments may involve: | correcting chemical imbalancespartial water changeraising or lowering pH or hardness. |
Indicators of animal comfort and normal behaviour may be identified through: | daily observation and visual examination is the best way to establish the appearance of a healthy reptile and at the same time allows detection of changes from normal. These observations will include:posture and attitude in and out of wateractivity level in and out of waterresponse to stimuli including handlingwithdrawal reflex and ability to right itselfassessment of body conditionassessment of state of hydrationappetite and dietary historyobserving faecal matter for any abnormalities. |
Housing design and environmental factors may include: | environmental:aeration rates and supplybiological control of wastecleaning routines and methodscorrect humidity levelsday/night cycle lightingdrainage and weather protectionelectrical safetyfiltration requirements to maintain the water quality and optimal environmental conditions for target speciesgeneral animal housing securityhousing furniture and compatible plantsout of direct sunlightventilation, temperature, heating and cooling requirementshousing design:housing options:indooroutdoorvivariumhousing requirements:compatibility of species housed togetherfood and water distributionlocation considerationslongevity and sturdiness of materialsmaintains ambient temperature conditions for the specific speciesprovides continuous access to water free of ammonia or chlorineprovides generous ventilation and is safe from fumes and vapours:insecticidescleaning agentsrequired floor area, vertical and/or horizontal space for specific speciessecurity considerationsspecies-specific options for animals to hide or restsubstrate appropriate to the specific speciesdesigns that allow for enrichment activities or species-specific activity, feeding or socialisingsocial options:solitarypairssingle sexed groupspolyandrous/polygynous groupsmixed species. |
Enrichment needs may include: | food or food-related enrichment:giving animals opportunities to forage for food by hiding it in substrates or hunt by movementphysical enrichment items:basking/perching sitesburrowing substrate, if applicableplants and foliageretreatsrocks or artificial rocksshredded paper or leaf littersocial enrichment:animals housed with same to encourage species-specific behavioursmixed species exhibits to encourage positive inter-species interactions. |
Welfare of animals requirements may include: | adequate housing, nutrition and stock levelscompliance to appropriate state or territory legislation and regulationsenrichment opportunitiesthe absence of predators, pests and verminthe compatibility of species and breeds. |
OHS risks when working with animals may include: | animal bites, envenomation, kicks, scratches and crush injuriesbiological hazardous waste and sharps disposalelectrical hazards enhanced by the presence of waterhandling of chemicals and medicinesgas leakageinhalation of aerosol particlesintraocular contaminationmanual handling, including carrying, lifting and shiftingneedle pricks and cuts from other sharpsrelease of infective agents (animal and human)slippery or uneven work surfaceszoonoses. |
Equipment used to catch, handle and restrain non-venomous reptiles may include: | bagsglovesnoose-type devices for large reptiles. |
Methods used to approach and catch reptiles may include: | approaching and handling as quietly as possible with the following considerations:small reptiles should be supported by the palm of the hand with the other hand placed over its shoulders to prevent escapedarkened conditions tend to calm the animals and reduce stress reactionsstandard hygiene procedures should be followed, including the use of gloveshandling of reptiles should always be kept to a minimum to ensure the animal is not stressed or accidentally injured. |
Common health issues may include: | behavioural disordersenvironmental hazards:contamination of the water due to presence of toxinsexposure to extremes of water qualityexposure to the elementsinadequate activitytemperature extremesventilationinfectious diseases caused by:bacteria, virus, fungus and protozoeinternal and external parasitesnon-infection diseases:chemical toxicities and allergiesgenetic disordersmetabolicneoplasticnutritional imbalances and disruptionsphysical traumaszoonotic diseases. |
General health maintenance and preventative treatment may include: | routine health check-upcontrol of parasitesimmunisation/vaccinations as requiredinsect controltemperature, heat and light requirements for specific speciesquarantine and isolation proceduresroutine observation of waste elimination and faecal examinationwater quality. |
Digestive system features may include: | anatomical features:mouth structuresdigestive chemicals and bacteriaalimentary canal and stomachintestines, rectum and anusphysiological features:eating processesnutrient requirements, absorption and storage methods waste eliminationfeeding patterns and natural dietary requirements for the speciespotential digestive system malfunctions or problemswater needs. |
Food source considerations include: | captive diets must be similar to the natural diet of the species to:minimise the impact of captivitystimulate normal digestive functionmaximise development of natural survival techniquesfood sources:dietary supplementslive food. |
Feeding hazards may include: | animal movement and handlingshelf life of foodstuffsmanual handling and general food preparation, storage and distribution equipmentcontamination of foodstuffs from vermin, bacteria, fungus, virus and other sourcesorganic and other dustsexcessive noisepossibility of zoonotic infection. |
Documentation on the care and management of reptiles may include: | accident and incident recordschemical and veterinary supplies registerdetailed and accurate records for each animal:species and sex of animalidentification and historyfeeding, health and treatment recordsdiary, rosters and task completion and timeframe recordsequipment use, damage and repair registerOHS safe work method statements, material safety data sheets (MSDS) and other recordsprovisions records of current stock and items used and items requiredstock control recordswater chemistry and quality recordswater change frequencies and amounts. |