BIO446 Captive Reptilian Management (8)

This subject covers the general principles of the management of reptiles in captivity. The general principles of housing, husbandry, nutrition, diet, breeding, and health and disease will be examined for each of the reptilian groups. These studies will lead into more specialised studies of selected groups including enrichment, captive breeding for conservation including reintroduction case studies, and the care and rehabilitation of injured reptiles.

Availability

Session 2 (60)
Online
Wagga Wagga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: BIO446. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences

Enrolment Restrictions

Must be enrolled in the GDip Capt Vert Mgt course, or if not in this course, must have the approval of both Course Co-ordinators.

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Assumed Knowledge
BIO443

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • have an understanding of the role of keeping reptiles in captivity in conservation;
  • be able to describe the general principles of housing and husbandry in keeping captive reptiles, and in detail, the requirements of a specific species or group;
  • have an understanding of the general breeding requirements of captive reptiles, and for a specific species, the detailed breeding requirements;
  • be able to describe the specialised management requirements for a specific species;
  • have an understanding of health and disease issues in keeping captive reptiles, and for a specific species, a detailed understanding of these issues;
  • have an understanding of the importance of appropriate methods of keeping records, including breeding records;
  • have an appreciation of the importance of enrichment in keeping captive reptiles, and for a specific species, design appropriate enrichment protocols;
  • have an understanding of the general principles/protocols in the care and rehabilitation of injured reptiles; and
  • have reviewed in detail, at least one reptilian reintroduction study.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • The role of keeping reptiles in captivity in conservation.
  • Principles of housing and husbandry.
  • Reptilian reproductive system and breeding requirements.
  • Specialised reptilian management requirements, including artificial egg incubation and hand rearing.
  • Methods of keeping appropriate records.
  • Reptilian enrichment.
  • Reptilian health and disease.
  • Care and rehabilitation of injured reptiles.
  • Captive breeding for conservation: reptilian reintroduction case studies.

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of BIO446 in Session 2 2021. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Species taxonomy and zoo holdings search
10
2
Bibliography of chosen species
30
3
Husbandry manual
60

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: June 2022. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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