AHCFAU201
Recognise fauna


Application

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to recognise and record fauna that are commonly encountered when undertaking agricultural, horticultural and land management activities.

This unit applies to supervised workers in land management projects.

No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.

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.


Elements and Performance Criteria

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Prepare for fauna recognition

1.1 Identify range of fauna requiring recognition according to supervisor needs

1.2 Locate and identify resources and equipment for use in recognition activity

1.3 Identify and select appropriate processes for fauna recognition

1.4 Determine appropriate location for observations

1.5 Prepare for fauna recognition process

1.6 Move in and around location carefully to allow greater opportunity for fauna sightings and to reduce environmental impact of the activity

1.7 Follow work health and safety policies and procedures for fieldwork

2. Recognise specified fauna

2.1 Recognise and name fauna according to their identifiable characteristics

2.2 Record brief descriptions of fauna habits, characteristics and significant features

2.3 Seek advice from supervisors in the identification activity

2.4 Follow procedures to ensure all observation activities comply with animal welfare codes of practice

3. Complete identification of fauna

3.1 Record information about identified fauna and add to the reference collection

3.2 Update field notes as new fauna are recognised

3.3 Report rare, uncommon or notifiable pest fauna to supervisor according to enterprise guidelines

Evidence of Performance

The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

The candidate must be observed in the field recognising and recording details of fauna sightings.

The candidate must provide evidence that they can:

move through a nominated natural area in a manner suitable for fauna observation, causing minimal disruption and damage to the environment and fauna that inhabit it

select sites and situations where fauna are likely to be present

observe and record the details of observations according to enterprise requirements

recognise fauna according to detailed characteristics

follow workplace procedures and supervisor instructions for recognising and recording fauna

apply work health and safety policies and procedures to fauna observation activities

apply animal welfare practices in all observation activities


Evidence of Knowledge

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

fauna identification techniques

fauna behaviour

fauna habitats

fauna tracks and traces

names and characteristics of fauna in target location

techniques for observing, identifying and reporting fauna

enterprise expectations about the range and number of fauna to be recognised

workplace health and safety policies and procedures

procedures for reporting rare, uncommon or notifiable pest fauna

basic requirements for ensuring the welfare of animals described in the relevant Codes of Practice


Assessment Conditions

Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.


Foundation Skills

Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.


Range Statement


Sectors

Fauna (FAU)