60005 Wildlife Field Techniques: Animal Handling and Survey Methods

Description

In this subject, students learn about Australia’s unique wildlife and gain first-hand experience identifying and safely handling native animals and performing wildlife surveys using industry standard techniques. This course consists of four online modules and a three-day field trip to Shoalhaven Zoo, near Nowra.

The four-week online component includes four modules that cover the ethical care and use of wildlife in Australia, work health and safety, identifying and handling animals commonly encountered in the field, first aid for wildlife, relocation and transport of wildlife, and appropriate design of wildlife surveys.

During the field trip to Shoalhaven Zoo, students carry out wildlife surveys and learn how to safely and effectively handle a diverse range of native wildlife including echidnas, macropods, wombats, birds and reptiles which are commonly encountered in the field or on jobsites. Students also work in small teams to evaluate, coordinate, and implement an effective response to a range of wildlife emergencies that commonly occur on jobsites. This field-based learning includes competency assessment of animal handling skills by leading Australian wildlife experts.