Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare a fauna management plan including controlling or maintaining fauna populations.
This unit applies to managers of natural areas and technical specialists who manage and provide advice on fauna populations.
Firearms licensing conditions may apply to this unit. Specific determination should be sought through the relevant State or Territory.
Scientific licenses may be required if the management plan involves endangered or threatened species or critical habitats. Specific determination should be sought through the relevant State or Territory.
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. Assess fauna populations | 1.1 Conduct surveys for distribution, ecology, viability, genetic diversity and threats 1.2 Determine increase or decrease in species population size and range 1.3 Assess desirability of the population change in terms of impact on immediate environment 1.4 Assess condition of the environment and habitats for ongoing support of the species 1.5 Research species numbers in other locations to determine significance of local population 1.6 Assess attitudes of stakeholders to the species to determine acceptable range of population management options 1.7 Complete a cost/benefit analysis of population management options |
2. Prepare management plan | 2.1 Develop plan of management from assessment 2.2 Prepare submissions for funding to implement the management plan 2.3 Assess plan of management in terms of costs and available funds, according to enterprise procedures |
3. Control or maintain fauna population | 3.1 Develop plan to control or maintain species into a series of intervention measures in accordance with resource constraints and legislative requirements 3.2 Implement measures to manage population according to legislative requirements 3.3 Obtain permits for population management according to legislative requirements 3.4 Inform stakeholders and staff about population management measures, according to enterprise procedures 3.5 Ensure management measures comply with work health and safety, animal welfare, biosecurity and environmental sustainability policies and procedures 3.6 Ensure staff are trained and, where required, licensed to manage population 3.7 Manage incidents with species according to legislative, enterprise, work health and safety and public safety requirements 3.8 Monitor and adjust management plan and record results in accordance with legislative and enterprise requirements |
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 provide evidence that they can:
assess fauna populations and their habitat
assess the impact of fauna population on the environment
determine the stability and importance of fauna populations for their species
plan intervention measures to improve species distribution, habitat and survivability
prepare a fauna management plan in accordance with legislative requirements and enterprise procedures, including informing staff and stakeholders
implement plan to control or maintain fauna populations
develop workplace health and safety procedures within the management plan
incorporate biosecurity procedures in the management plan
apply animal welfare practices when managing fauna populations
apply appropriate sustainability practices
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
legislative and enterprise requirements
ecology of species, habitats, predators, competitors
survey and assessment techniques
key anatomical and behavioural characteristics and reproduction patterns of species
signs and symptoms of health issues in the species
management planning
requirements of licences for scientific, educational and conservation activities
requirements for ensuring the
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)