ACMSPE311A
Provide basic care of non-venomous reptiles

This unit of competency covers the process of identifying reptiles and their behavioural and physical needs, providing daily care requirements for non-venomous reptiles as well as assisting with behavioural requirements and preventative health measures.Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements may apply to this unit in relation to the protection of native reptiles. Therefore, it will be necessary to check with the relevant state or territory regulators for current licensing, legislative or regulatory requirements before undertaking this unit.

Application

The unit is applicable to those working in animal care industry sectors where it may be necessary to care for commonly available non-venomous reptiles. This may include animal shelters or rehabilitation organisations, 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 well-being before releasing back to their natural environment.

In addition to legal and ethical responsibilities, all units of competency in the ACM10 Animal Care and Management Training Package have the requirement for animals to be handled gently and calmly. The individual is required to exhibit appropriate care for animals so that stress and discomfort is minimised.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Identify commonly available reptiles

1.1. Profile of non-venomous reptiles commonly held in facility, including habitat, nutrition, health and behavioural characteristics, is defined.

1.2. External features are described using industry terminology.

1.3. Reptiles are classified using industry specific terminology.

1.4. Colours, markings and other identifying features are defined, interpreted and documented.

2. Identify and evaluate behavioural and housing needs

2.1. Water quality is monitored and adjustments made as required to maintain optimum water quality, if required for the species being housed, as directed by supervisor.

2.2. Indicators of animal comfort and normal behaviour are identified and signs of distressed reptiles are recognised and reported to supervisor.

2.3. Industry standards and guidelines for housing design, environmental factors and appropriate stocking densities are identified.

2.4. Enrichment needs are identified and evaluated for specific animal species.

2.5. Current animal housing design is evaluated in relation to the welfare of animals kept and legislation requirements.

3. Approach and handle reptiles

3.1. Occupational health and safety (OHS) risks associated with handling and restraining reptiles are identified and methods used to minimise risks are demonstrated.

3.2. Equipment used to catch, handle and restrain non-venomous reptiles is prepared and evaluated.

3.3. Reptiles are approached and caught while minimising risks to animal and others.

3.4. Reptiles are restrained using a range of approved animal welfare management procedures.

4. Assist with health care needs

4.1. Signs of good health are identified and recorded in animal health and treatment records.

4.2. Common health issues are identified and signs of disease or other conditions are reported to supervisor.

4.3. General health maintenance and preventative treatment procedures are identified and implemented in accordance with level of job responsibility, regulatory requirements and supervisor guidance.

4.4. Options for activity and enrichment are identified, evaluated for impact on reptile health and implemented as directed by supervisor.

5. Feed and water reptiles

5.1. Digestive system features are identified and related to reptile-specific feeding routines and diets.

5.2. Preferred food sources are identified and food samples are assessed for quality and suitability.

5.3. Potential feeding hazards are identified and risk control options defined.

5.4. Feed is prepared in accordance with dietary needs.

5.5. Feed is distributed and consumption, including abnormalities, is reported in accordance with workplace routines.

6. Maintain records

6.1. Documentation on the care and management of non-venomous reptiles is completed in accordance with workplace procedures and legislation requirements.

Required Skills

Required skills

complete relevant work-related documents and maintain accurate animal records

comply with OHS, animal care, ethics and industry codes of conduct, regulations and legislations

employ safe and environmentally responsible organisational systems and procedures when working with, restraining and handling non-venomous reptiles

maintain the highest standards of personal and workplace hygiene and infection control at all times to reduce the risk of infection and cross-infection

measure, interpret and record reptile weight, length and other relevant objective indicators of change in physiological status

monitor reptile health, condition and behaviour and recognise normal and abnormal signs

monitor water quality parameters using physical and chemical assessments and tests

prepare doses for treatments as directed and verified by supervisor

provide basic first aid to reptiles as required under supervision

use equipment and materials correctly and in accordance with manufacturers' specifications

literacy skills to read and follow organisational policies and procedures, including OHS and animal welfare; follow sequenced written instructions; and record information accurately and legibly

oral communication skills/language to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification and seeking advice from supervisor

numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures

interpersonal skills to work with others and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities

problem-solving skills to assess appropriate practices and prioritise daily tasks

use safe manual handling techniques and/or equipment

use safe waste handling and disposal procedures.

Required knowledge

anatomical and physiological terminology and glossary of terms

anatomical structures and physiological features related to basic care requirements for reptiles

awareness of natural reptile behaviour relating to the characteristics of the species, age, health and reproductive status, behavioural and social needs and the signs of distress, illness and undesirable behaviours

basic reptile care and hygiene principles

basic reptile first aid techniques

basic water chemistry parameters and physical indicators of water quality relevant to care and husbandry of reptiles

common aeration and filtration systems

housing, social and activity needs of reptiles and environmental impacts on health and wellbeing

methods of transmission of disease and infection

organisational policies and procedures regarding the care and health maintenance of reptiles

personal protective clothing and equipment and when and how it should be used

physical conditions and vital signs of reptiles

potential hazards and risks to animals and staff during feeding and cleaning of housing

relevant legislation, regulations and codes of practice, including OHS, animal welfare and ethics

safe reptile handling techniques and procedures, potential hazards and control measures

terminology and language variations used by workplace staff and the public to describe reptiles, their behaviour, status, health and treatments

terminology used to describe and document health and behavioural signs, including desirable and undesirable features

types of food and food supplements and their role in reptile diets, including natural dietary requirements for specific species

types of information that has to be reported and recorded in animal care workplaces

workplace hygiene standards, disinfectants, cleaning agents, cleaning techniques and cleaning equipment and materials.

Evidence Required

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit. Assessors should ensure that candidates can:

identify the specific characteristics and needs of reptiles and apply these to the best practice industry standard of housing, socialising, feeding and health management

classify and identify reptiles by age, sex, reproductive status, condition, colours, markings and other identifying features using industry terminology

safely and humanely catch, handle and restrain non-venomous reptiles

assess water quality for suitability for maintained species

report and document treatments, behaviours and other information on individual animals in accordance with animal welfare regulations, industry standards and workplace protocols and procedures.

The skills and knowledge required to provide basic care of non-venomous reptiles must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts and include the ability to deal with unplanned events.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of this unit is to be practical in nature and will most appropriately be assessed against the types of processes required in the industry sector in which candidates are working or in a situation that reproduces normal work conditions. Workplaces can include animal shelters or rehabilitation organisations, zoos and wildlife parks or similar workplaces.

There must be access to a range of non-venomous reptiles as well as relevant information, equipment and/or resources to enable one to demonstrate competence. Assessment must cover a minimum of three commonly available non-venomous reptile species.

Method of assessment

To ensure consistency in one's performance, competency should be demonstrated, to industry defined standards, on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances and responsibilities and where possible, over a number of assessment activities.

The assessment strategy must include practical skills assessment. Suggested strategies for this unit are:

written and/or oral assessment of candidate's required knowledge

observed, documented and first-hand testimonial evidence of candidate's application of practical tasks

simulation exercises that reproduce normal work conditions

third-party evidence

workplace documentation

portfolio.

This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy and numeracy demands) and the needs of particular target groups (e.g. people with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, people with a language background other than English, youth and people from low socioeconomic backgrounds).


Range Statement

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:

lizards

monitors and goannas

non-venomous snakes

tortoises and turtles.

Behavioural characteristics may include:

behaviour characteristics can vary according to:

the breeding season

the species, breed, age and sex of the animals

the time of day or night

behaviour characteristics associated with different species:

activity levels at certain times of day or night

feeding and foraging

fight or flight

reproductive behaviours

social interaction

feeding behaviours

defensive behaviour:

defending territory, other animals or food

hiding or retreating.

Colours, markings and other identifying features may include:

age, sex and size

coat or skin colours and texture

eye colour

markings, patterns and permanent scars

microchip, ear tags, tattoos and markings and leg bands.

Indicators of poor water quality may include:

colour

odour

unsuitable water chemistry parameters.

Water quality adjustments may involve:

correcting chemical imbalances

partial water change

raising 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 water

activity level in and out of water

response to stimuli including handling

withdrawal reflex and ability to right itself

assessment of body condition

assessment of state of hydration

appetite and dietary history

observing faecal matter for any abnormalities.

Housing design and environmental factors may include:

environmental:

aeration rates and supply

biological control of waste

cleaning routines and methods

correct humidity levels

day/night cycle lighting

drainage and weather protection

electrical safety

filtration requirements to maintain the water quality and optimal environmental conditions for target species

general animal housing security

housing furniture and compatible plants

out of direct sunlight

ventilation, temperature, heating and cooling requirements

housing design:

housing options:

indoor

outdoor

vivarium

housing requirements:

compatibility of species housed together

food and water distribution

location considerations

longevity and sturdiness of materials

maintains ambient temperature conditions for the specific species

provides continuous access to water free of ammonia or chlorine

provides generous ventilation and is safe from fumes and vapours:

insecticides

cleaning agents

required floor area, vertical and/or horizontal space for specific species

security considerations

species-specific options for animals to hide or rest

substrate appropriate to the specific species

designs that allow for enrichment activities or species-specific activity, feeding or socialising

social options:

solitary

pairs

single sexed groups

polyandrous/polygynous groups

mixed 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 movement

physical enrichment items:

basking/perching sites

burrowing substrate, if applicable

plants and foliage

retreats

rocks or artificial rocks

shredded paper or leaf litter

social enrichment:

animals housed with same to encourage species-specific behaviours

mixed species exhibits to encourage positive inter-species interactions.

Welfare of animals requirements may include:

adequate housing, nutrition and stock levels

compliance to appropriate state or territory legislation and regulations

enrichment opportunities

the absence of predators, pests and vermin

the compatibility of species and breeds.

OHS risks when working with animals may include:

animal bites, envenomation, kicks, scratches and crush injuries

biological hazardous waste and sharps disposal

electrical hazards enhanced by the presence of water

handling of chemicals and medicines

gas leakage

inhalation of aerosol particles

intraocular contamination

manual handling, including carrying, lifting and shifting

needle pricks and cuts from other sharps

release of infective agents (animal and human)

slippery or uneven work surfaces

zoonoses.

Equipment used to catch, handle and restrain non-venomous reptiles may include:

bags

gloves

noose-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 escape

darkened conditions tend to calm the animals and reduce stress reactions

standard hygiene procedures should be followed, including the use of gloves

handling 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 disorders

environmental hazards:

contamination of the water due to presence of toxins

exposure to extremes of water quality

exposure to the elements

inadequate activity

temperature extremes

ventilation

infectious diseases caused by:

bacteria, virus, fungus and protozoe

internal and external parasites

non-infection diseases:

chemical toxicities and allergies

genetic disorders

metabolic

neoplastic

nutritional imbalances and disruptions

physical traumas

zoonotic diseases.

General health maintenance and preventative treatment may include:

routine health check-up

control of parasites

immunisation/vaccinations as required

insect control

temperature, heat and light requirements for specific species

quarantine and isolation procedures

routine observation of waste elimination and faecal examination

water quality.

Digestive system features may include:

anatomical features:

mouth structures

digestive chemicals and bacteria

alimentary canal and stomach

intestines, rectum and anus

physiological features:

eating processes

nutrient requirements, absorption and storage methods

waste elimination

feeding patterns and natural dietary requirements for the species

potential digestive system malfunctions or problems

water needs.

Food source considerations include:

captive diets must be similar to the natural diet of the species to:

minimise the impact of captivity

stimulate normal digestive function

maximise development of natural survival techniques

food sources:

dietary supplements

live food.

Feeding hazards may include:

animal movement and handling

shelf life of foodstuffs

manual handling and general food preparation, storage and distribution equipment

contamination of foodstuffs from vermin, bacteria, fungus, virus and other sources

organic and other dusts

excessive noise

possibility of zoonotic infection.

Documentation on the care and management of reptiles may include:

accident and incident records

chemical and veterinary supplies register

detailed and accurate records for each animal:

species and sex of animal

identification and history

feeding, health and treatment records

diary, rosters and task completion and timeframe records

equipment use, damage and repair register

OHS safe work method statements, material safety data sheets (MSDS) and other records

provisions records of current stock and items used and items required

stock control records

water chemistry and quality records

water change frequencies and amounts.


Sectors

Unit sector

Species specific


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.