Course Title: Manage fauna populations

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2025

Course Code: ENVI5115C

Course Title: Manage fauna populations

School: 530T Built Environment and Sustainability

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5418 - Diploma of Conservation and Ecosystem Management

Course Contact: Matthew Sweeney

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4105

Course Contact Email: Matthew.Sweeney@rmit.edu.au

Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Mohammad Mehbub (PhD)
VE Teacher, Conservation & Ecosystem Management
College of Vocational Education
RMIT University

Building 57, Level 5

115 Queensberry Street, Carlton, Victoria.

mohammad.mehbub@rmit.edu.au

Tel: 03 9925 1649 

www.rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 150

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

In this course you will develop the skills and knowledge required to prepare a fauna management plan, including controlling or maintaining fauna populations.

The course applies to individuals who manage natural areas, and technical specialists who manage and provide advice on fauna populations.

 

National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:	AHCFAU501 Manage fauna populations
Element:	1. Assess fauna populations
Performance Criteria:	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 and impact on immediate environment 1.4 Assess condition of the environment and habitats for ongoing support of 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
Element:	2. Prepare management plan
Performance Criteria:	2.1 Develop plan of management from assessment 2.2 Prepare submissions for funding to implement management plan 2.3 Reconcile costs of plan for management against available funds
Element:	3. Control or maintain fauna population
Performance Criteria:	3.1 Develop plan to manage species using a series of intervention measures according to resource constraints and legislative requirements 3.2 Implement measures to manage population 3.3 Obtain permits for population management according to legislative requirements 3.4 Inform stakeholders and staff about population management measures 3.5 Ensure management measures comply with workplace health and safety, animal welfare, biosecurity and environmental sustainability policies and procedures 3.6 Ensure staff are trained and comply with licensing requirements for managing population 3.7 Manage incidents with species according to legislative, workplace health and safety and public safety requirements 3.8 Monitor and adjust management plan and record results in accordance with legislative and workplace requirements

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in the above elements. 

Details of Learning Activities

Learning Activities:

 

1. Conduct surveys for distribution, ecology, viability, genetic diversity and threats

 

1. Determine increase or decrease in species population size and range

 

1. Assess desirability of the population change and impact on immediate environment

 

1. Assess condition of the environment and habitats for ongoing support of species

 

1. Research species numbers in other locations to determine significance of local population

 

1. Assess attitudes of stakeholders to the species to determine acceptable range of population management options

 

1. Complete a cost/benefit analysis of population management options

 

1. Develop plan of management from assessment

 

1. Prepare submissions for funding to implement management plan

 

1. Reconcile costs of plan for management against available funds

 

1. Develop plan to manage species using a series of intervention measures according to resource constraints and legislative requirements

 

1. Implement measures to manage population

 

1. Obtain permits for population management according to legislative requirements

 

1. Inform stakeholders and staff about population management measures

 

1. Ensure management measures comply with workplace health and safety, animal welfare, biosecurity and environmental sustainability policies and procedures

 

1. Ensure staff are trained and comply with licensing requirements for managing population

 

1. Manage incidents with species according to legislative, workplace health and safety and public safety requirements

 

1. Monitor and adjust management plan and record results in accordance with legislative and workplace requirements

 

The total number of scheduled hours for teaching, learning, and assessment in this course encompasses all planned activities, including face-to-face classes, lectures, workshops, seminars, workplace visits, online learning, and other structured learning formats. It also includes the time required to undertake, assess, and complete all assessment tasks, observe work performance, and participate in discussions.

 

Teaching Schedule

2025 vocational education important dates

2025 key academic dates and deadlines for vocational education students studying at RMIT Australian campuses.

These dates apply to students in standard semester-based classes.

• Semester 2 important dates
• Semester 2 weeks 1-18

  DateEvent or deadline

20 June	Timetables allocated
14 July	Semester 2 classes begin
14 - 18 July	Mid-year Orientation
25 July	Last day to add classes for Semester 2
1 September	Semester 2 census date

    WeekDates

Week 1	14-20 July
Week 2	21-27 July
Week 3	28 July - 3 August
Week 4	4-10 August
Week 5	11-17 August
Week 6	18-24 August
Week 7	25-31 August
Mid-semester break	1-7 September
Week 8	8-14 September
Week 9	15-21 September
Week 10	22-28 September
Week 11	29 September - 5 October
Week 12	6-12 October
Week 13	13-19 October
Week 14	20-26 Octobr
Week 15	27 October- 2 November
Week 16	3-9 November
Week 17	10-16 November
Week 18	17-23 November

Teaching Schedule

Syllabus

The following syllabus provides you with this course's Training and Assessment schedule. Refer to this page to find out what themes will be discussed each week and when assessments are due. You will also find important information on census dates, excursions and practices. While we endeavour to deliver and assess in line with this syllabus, we reserve the right to make changes to accommodate unexpected circumstances. 

Session/Date

Theme

Assessments

 

Session 1 (Week 1) 14 - 20 July	Introduction to the unit - outcomes, expectations and assessments. Workshop Session: Lesson Title: Biological classification and morphology. Practical: Draw and label an insect, morphology.	Assessment 1 Released Assessment 2 Released Assessment 3 Released
Session 2 (Week 2) 21 - 27 July	Lesson Title: Threatened species, definitions and legislation. Threatened fauna species set for Assessment 1 Eltham Copper Butterfly – Banyule Andrew Yandell Reserve (all day Thursday) Terrestrial Invertebrate sampling for Assessment 3 TBC	Assessment 1 Assessment 3
Session 3 (Week 3) 28 July – 03 August	Lesson Title: Ecological Theory   Laboratory Invertebrate Identification Dichotomous keys	Assessment 3: Dichotomous Key
Session 4 (Week 4) 04 August – 10 August	Lesson Title: Ecological Theory   Laboratory Invertebrate Identification Dichotomous keys	Assessment 3: Dichotomous Key
Session 5 (Week 5) 11 August – 17 August	Lesson Title: Ecological Theory Field Visit: Woodlands Historic Park- Southern Brown Bandicoot, threatened species and ecological relationships.	Assessment 1: Threatened species
Session 6 (Week 6) 18 August – 24 August	Lesson Title: Writing an introduction and discussion Biological classification – vertebrates    Vertebrate Identification  Class work - Mammals, Reptiles & Amphibians – examine fauna specimens i.e., Skulls Make your own Dichotomous key for Wonthaggi Fauna Camp	Assessment 1
Session 7 (Week 7) 25 August – 31 August	Lesson Title: Vertebrate Survey: • Scope for Vertebrate Survey • OH&S for field work • Research and collation of background information for vertebrate study Methodology	Assessment 3 Demonstration Attendance compulsory
Date: 1-7 September, Mid Semester Break	Mid Semester Break	Mid Semester Break
Session 8 (Week 8) 08 September – 14 September	Lesson Title: Animal Ethics, Fauna Handling	Assessment 3
Session 9 (Week 9) 15 September – 21 September	Field Trip Mt Rothwell Biodiversity Interpretation Centre, mid-afternoon and evening (TBC) or Data analysis and presentation	Assessment 1 Part A
Session 10 (Week 10) 22 September – 28 September	Wonthaggi Fauna and Flora Camp 22th to 25th September	Assessment 3 Assessment 1
Session 11 (Week 11) 29 September – 05 October	Lesson Title: Data analysis and presentation	Assessment 1
Session 12 (Week 12) 6 October-12 October	Lesson Title: Knowledge Evidence questions discussions	Assessment 1
Session 13 (Week 13) 13 October-19 October	Lesson Title: Fauna Population Management Plan	Assessment 2
Session 14 (Week 14) 20 October-26 October	Lesson Title: Fauna Population Management Plan	Assessment 2
Session 15 (Week 15) 27 October-2 November	Lesson Title: Fauna Population Management Plan	Assessment 2
Session 16 (Week 16) 03 November-09 November	Lesson Title: Fauna Population Management Plan	Assessment 2
Session 17 (Week 17) 10-16 November
Session 18 (Week 18) 17-23 November

 

Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

References

Other Resources

All required resources will be provided in Canvas

Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights to your written tasks. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS. 

Assessment Tasks

Assessment 1: Assess Fauna Population                                Due date: 19 October 2025

 

Assessment 2: Fauna Population Management Plan              Due date: 9 November 2025

 

Assessment 3: Maintain Fauna Population                              Due date: 05 October 2025

Assessment Matrix

Mapping Assessments to the Unit of Competency

Element	Performance criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes.	Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.	Assessment Task 1: Assess Fauna Population	Assessment Task 2: Fauna Population Management Plan	Assessment Task 3: Maintain Fauna Population
1. Assess fauna populations	1.1 Conduct surveys for distribution, ecology, viability, genetic diversity and threats	1a,b, 2a
1.2 Determine increase or decrease in species population size and range	1e
1.3 Assess desirability of the population change and impact on immediate environment	Part A: 1d
1.4 Assess condition of the environment and habitats for ongoing support of species	1a
1.5 Research species numbers in other locations to determine significance of local population	Part B: Q2
1.6 Assess attitudes of stakeholders to the species to determine acceptable range of population management options	Part A: 1.3
1.7 Complete a cost/benefit analysis of population management options		Part B: 1.3,1.4, 1.5
2. Prepare management plan	2.1 Develop plan of management from assessment		Part A: 1.1,1.2,1.3 Part B: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3.
2.2 Prepare submissions for funding to implement management plan		Part B
2.3 Reconcile costs of plan for management against available funds		Part B: 1.6
3. Control or maintain fauna population	3.1 Develop plan to manage species using a series of intervention measures according to resource constraints and legislative requirements		Part A: 1.1,1.2,1.3
3.2 Implement measures to manage population			1.2
3.3 Obtain permits for population management according to legislative requirements			1.3
3.4 Inform stakeholders and staff about population management measures			1.3
3.5 Ensure management measures comply with workplace health and safety, animal welfare, biosecurity and environmental sustainability policies and procedures	2c		1.4, 1.5
3.6 Ensure staff are trained and comply with licensing requirements for managing population			1.1
3.7 Manage incidents with species according to legislative, workplace health and safety and public safety requirements			1.4
3.8 Monitor and adjust management plan and record results in accordance with legislative and workplace requirements		Part B: 1.7

 

 

Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.	Assessment Task 1: Assess Fauna Population	Assessment Task 2: Fauna Population Management Plan	Assessment Task 3: Maintain Fauna Population	Assessment Task 4: Coastal Rehabilitation Review
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skill	Description
Reading	Organise, assess and critique information, legislation and regulations for incorporation into rehabilitation strategies	1.3, 1.4	1.1-1.7	1.1, 2.1-2.2	1.2-1.5
Writing	Select appropriate conventions and stylistic devices to express precise meaning in documented plans and strategies	All AT1	All AT2	AT3: 1.1	All AT4
Oral Communication	Establish and maintain effective communications when negotiating and consulting with stakeholders on rehabilitation strategies and providing feedback on work performance			1.1

 

 

Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.	Assessment Task 1: Assess Fauna Population	Assessment Task 2: Fauna Population Management Plan	Assessment Task 3: Maintain Fauna Population
Skill	Description
Reading	Conduct literature reviews on the impact of animal populations, and critically review results for the development of a fauna management plan	Part A: 1d Part B: 1- 6 Part C: 1-5
Writing	Prepare fauna management plans and supporting texts, expressing ideas and exploring complex issues that are constructed logically, succinctly and accurately	1-7
Oral communication	Establish and maintain effective oral communication with stakeholders and staff			1.3
Numeracy	Calculate animal population densities and compare results with researched results for comparable locations   Prepare costing for management plan and reconciliation with available funding	3

 

Performance Evidence
An individual demonstrating competency must satisfy all of the elements and performance criteria in this unit.	Assessment Task 1: Assess Fauna Population	Assessment Task 2: Fauna Population Management Plan	Assessment Task 3: Maintain Fauna Population
An individual demonstrating competency must satisfy all of the elements and performance criteria in this unit. There must be evidence that the individual has prepared and implemented a management plan for at least one fauna species in its ecological environment.		all
There must also be evidence that the individual has: assessed fauna populations and their habitat	1a,c,4a-d
assessed the impact of fauna population on the environment	1c
determined the stability and importance of fauna populations for their species	1d
planned intervention measures to improve species distribution, habitat and survivability	1d
prepared a fauna management plan in accordance with legislative requirements and workplace procedures, including: developed workplace health and safety procedures			1.4
incorporated biosecurity procedures			1.4
informed staff and stakeholders			1.3
implemented plan to control or maintain fauna populations			all
applied ethical welfare practices when managing fauna populations			1.4
applied appropriate sustainability practices.	2c		1.4

 

 

Knowledge Evidence
	Assessment Task 1: Assess Fauna Population	Assessment Task 2: Fauna Population Management Plan	Assessment Task 3: Maintain Fauna Population
An individual must be able to demonstrate the knowledge required to perform the tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit. This includes knowledge of: legislative and workplace requirements, including: ethical standards and practices when working with fauna			1.4
laws relevant to the protection of flora, fauna and marine environments	Part B: 1,Q4, Q5
ecological principles and practices as they apply to: fauna species and their interrelationships with the environment	1c Part B: Q2,Q3 Part C: Q1,2
fauna and their habitat	1a,b Part B: Q2,Q3 Part C: Q1,2
predators and fauna population	1e Part C: Q3, Q5
competition between fauna species	Part C: Q4
survey and assessment techniques, including: survey materials and equipment	2b
documenting and recording survey results	3a, b, c, ,4 a-d, 5
key anatomical and behavioural characteristics and reproduction patterns of fauna species	Part C: Q3		1.6
signs and symptoms of health issues in the species	4d
management planning methods and procedures	1-7 Part B: Q5, Q6
requirements of licences for scientific, educational and conservation activities			1.3
requirements for ensuring the welfare of animals described in the relevant codes of practice.			1.1, 1.4

 

 

 

Assessment conditions	Describe how assessments meet the assessment conditions
Assessment of the skills in this unit of competency must take place under the following conditions: physical conditions: skills must be demonstrated for at least one fauna species in its ecological environment	Student is on site for AT3 and on site to gather data for field notes for AT1
resources, equipment and materials: fauna in the ecological environment	AT3 student are on site undertaking management of fauna
survey materials and equipment	As above
specifications: specific workplace policies, procedures, processes for working with fauna	As above
manufacturer operating instructions for survey equipment	AT3 students are on site using traps
legislation/codes of practice and standards for the ethical management of fauna.	Students refer to and access relevant codes and legislation. Students follow WHS and relevant codes as and when on site and must do so in order to secure permits
Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.	RMIT employment requires all trainers and assessors to comply with the Standards for RTOs in respect to holding the TAE40116, or higher VE qualification including any necessary updated units.  All employees must show currency within their vocational specialty along with their professional employment.

Other Information

Attendance Requirement - 85% for all students.

Resubmission Policy:

To pass this course, students must achieve a Satisfactory (S) result for all their Assessments (and parts of those assessments).

Students who do not achieve a Satisfactory (S) result for their entire original submission for an Assessment will be provided with 1 (one) more submission opportunity (e.g. the resubmission) with a specific due date by their assessor. Students must achieve a Satisfactory (S) result on their resubmission for that Assessment, by the due date given to them by their Assessor.

Students who fail to submit their assessment by the due date will be issued a DNS (Did Not Submit) result which will not be overturned by teaching or managing staff. A DNS result will be overturned based on an approved Extension of Time or approved Special Consideration.

To be deemed Competency Achieved, students must achieve a satisfactory result in all assessment tasks. Students who fail to receive a Satisfactory result on all assessment tasks and have exhausted their resubmissions, extension of time applications, special consideration applications or Equitable Learning Plan provisions will be deemed as Not Yet Competent.

Credit Transfer and/or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

You may be eligible for credit towards courses in your program if you have already met the learning/competency outcomes through previous learning and/or industry experience. To be eligible for credit towards a course, you must demonstrate that you have already completed learning and/or gained industry experience that is:

• Relevant
• Current
• Satisfies the learning/competency outcomes of the course

Please refer to http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/enrolment/credit to find more information about credit transfer and RPL.Study and learning Support:

Study and Learning Centre (SLC) provides free learning and academic development advice to you.

Services offered by SLC to support your numeracy and literacy skills are:

• Assignment writing, thesis writing and study skills advice
• Maths and Science developmental support and advice
• English language development

Please Refer http://www.rmit.edu.au/studyandlearningcentre to find more information about Study and learning Support

Equitable Learning Services (ELS):

If you are suffering from long-term medical condition or disability, you should contact Equitable Learning Services (ELS) to seek advice and support to complete your studies.Please refer to https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-and-facilities/student-support/equitable-learning-services to find more information about services offered by Equitable Learning Services (ELS).

Late submission:

If you require an Extension of Submittable Work (assignments, reports or project work etc.) for 7 calendar days or less (from the original due date) and have valid reasons, you must complete and lodge an Application for Extension of Submittable Work (7 Calendar Days or less) form and lodge it with the Senior Educator/ Program Manager.

The application must be lodged no later than one working day before the official due date. You will be notified within no more than 2 working days of the date of lodgment as to whether the extension has been granted.

If you seek an Extension of Submittable Work for more than 7 calendar days (from the original due date) must lodge an Application for Special Consideration form under the provisions of the Special Consideration Policy, preferably prior to, but no later than 2 working days after the official due date.

Submittable Work (assignments, reports or project work etc.) submitted late without approval of an extension will not be accepted or marked.

Special consideration:

Please Refer http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration to find more information about special consideration

Plagiarism:

Plagiarism is a form of cheating and it is very serious academic offence that may lead to expulsion from the University.

Please Refer: www.rmit.edu.au/academicintegrity to find more information about plagiarism.

All email communications will be sent to your RMIT email address and you must regularly check your RMIT emails.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview