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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Collect field specimens and enviromental data 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
252451  Collect field specimens and enviromental data 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Nature Conservation 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Nature Conservation 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
8333  Collect Field Specimens  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is aimed at individuals involved in the collection of specimens in the field for the purpose of contributing to species inventory, monitoring, cultivation and preservation.

The standard enables the relevant knowledge and skills required to assist with the implementation of management strategies through the collection of field specimens and environmental data and will equip the qualifying learner with the skills required to undertake data collection and the transportation of specimens according to conservation requirements.

Persons credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Use appropriate method/s to collect a range of environmental data and/or specimens.
  • Locate and record the area for collection.
  • Collect, obtain data and/or prepare the required specimens according to prescribed procedures.
  • Package specimens safely for transportation. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • It is assumed that the learner is competent in Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 1.
  • It is furthermore assumed that learners embarking on this unit standard are familiar with:
    > Orientate, navigate, use and create maps in conservation areas. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Use appropriate method/s to collect a range of environmental data and/or specimens. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A list of the prescribed methods is provided that is appropriate to the area of operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A selection is made of appropriate data collection methods as it applies to the types of data to be collected in the operational environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A range of environmental data or specimens is collected and records are made to ensure the usefulness of the data collected. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Including but not limited to soil, invertebrates, vertebrates, vegetation, rainfall, temperature etc.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Locate and record the area for collection. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Applicable navigation techniques are used to reach the collection site as specified for data or specimen collection. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Use of navigational equipment and maps.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A record is made of the localities where the specimens will be collected. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Collect, obtain data and/or prepare the required specimens according to prescribed procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Required specimens are collected; data obtained and/or prepared using prescribed methods and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Records and relevant data are kept of the precise location where the specimens were collected. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Required environmental data is recorded using appropriate methods and equipment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Tree diameter, prevailing weather condition, and photographs taken.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    A review is given of what constitutes ethical collecting practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Live specimens are released in area of origin where transportation and additional data collection is not required. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Package specimens safely for transportation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Living specimens obtained for data collection purposes are transported correctly and humanely. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Dead specimens are suitably preserved (without damage). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Specimens are suitably packaged according to organisational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Steps are taken to ensure that all relevant information accompanies the specimens. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The specimens are delivered to the prescribed place and handed over to a designated personnel. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing an individual against this unit standard must meet the assessor requirements of the relevant ETQA. In particular, such assessors must demonstrate that they assess in terms of the scope and context defined in all the range statements.
  • Any institution offering learning towards this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • External moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Applying the required prescribed techniques for collection of specific species or environmental data.
  • Use and maintenance of applicable equipment.
  • Identification of different species and their distribution.
  • Purpose and methods of specimen collection appropriate to different species or data.
  • Typical recording and reporting systems as used by employers/landowners/agencies.
  • Care of specimens in transport (live/dead).
  • Collection of relevant additional data with regard to each specimen collected.
  • Identifying and addressing barriers to successful specimen and data collection.
  • Improving own performance and incorporating it into future specimen collecting exercises.
  • Basic knowledge of local museum or institutions where specimens can be identified and are stored.
  • Ethical collection practices. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Operate in a group or team.

    Successfully collecting specimens and recording environmental data requires that a conservation worker develop the ability to follow a team leader and to participate as a team member. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, organise, analyse and interpret information.

    This unit standard gives learners an introduction to these skills. Data on specimens that are collected has to be accurately recorded. A record is made of all relevant details about specimens collected. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    This unit standard promotes effective communication with management, specifically in the form of accurate records and reports on specimens collected. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard replaces unit standard 8333, "Collect Field Specimens", Level 2, 2 credits.

    Demonstration of the knowledge and skills outlined in this unit standard must be consistent with the principles of:
  • Maintaining essential ecological processes and life-support systems.
  • Maintaining genetic, species and ecosystem diversity.
  • Considering ecological and social rights and responsibilities, whilst ensuring sustainable utilization of species and ecosystems, thereby yielding the greatest sustainable and equitable benefit to present generations whilst maintaining the potential to meet the needs and aspirations of future generations. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  59389   National Certificate: Nature Conservation: Resource Guardianship  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CATHSSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.