[IATCB] News and updates for November 2021

Hello Visitor,

Announcing the 2022 Testing Dates

*Applications will not be accepted after 11:59pm Eastern on this date

Our testing company, PTC has partnered with Prometric for Computer-Based Testing. Learn More here. With Prometrics there are no additional International Testing fees!!

Are you a Hopeful Certificant? 

Looking for the study guide for the CPAT- KA exam? Click here

Looking for the study guide for the CPBT- KA exam? Click here

Already certified?

The CPBT-KA and CPAT-KA credential is valid for 5 years from the date it is awarded. To renew the credential a certificant must either re-take the examination after 5 years or accumulate sixty Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) by attending IATCB approved workshops, seminars, classes, or conferences.   Head over to here to check out a list of approved CEUs!

Please note that all CEUs MUST be claimed with two (2) months of the event, submissions will not be accepted after this period!

Certificant Highlight

We would love to highlight you or your facility in our newsletter and on our Facebook page. Let us know the amazing things that you are doing to help raise the bar! Contact kelly.garrison@accgov.com for more information.

Want to find out more about setting these types of standards within your facility or becoming certified? Contact the IATCB board by visiting our website!

Trainers Talk

The Interpretation of Behaviour; Published by PeterGiljam

Only half way through my career I learned a valuable lesson about behaviour. Which actually came from on trainer I met during my career in Spain. She told me whenever I find a moment to observe the animals outside a training session. Observe what they do and who they do it with. How do they move and how do they behave in different situations and interact with other animals or trainers. It was interesting to listen to her because I was always very busy with the science of behaviour modification which I applied to the animals behaviour instead of the actual behaviour the animals were showing us in their spare time.

Years later working in another country with very different animals I had these continuous flashbacks about what she had told me in the past. Working in a zoo setting with so many different species you had to start looking at their behaviour to figure out how the species worked all together. Chimpanzees are a very different league in comparison to tigers. Same accounts for hoofstock such as rhinos or fallow deers. Not only did I train the animals myself but to be successful I should be focused more on the teams going same direction. Read On…

Species Spotlight

Heath Hen; Greater Prairie-Chicken- Tympanuchus cupido

At one time, the eerie hollow moaning of male prairie-chickens displaying on their spring 'booming grounds' was a common sound across much of central and eastern North America. Today the prairie-chickens are quite uncommon and localized; the race on the Atlantic seaboard, called the Heath Hen, became extinct in 1932. Greater Prairie-Chickens still thrive on a few areas of native grassland in the midwest.

They lived in Native tall-grass prairie. Prime original habitat apparently was where prairie was intermixed with oak woodland. Currently found in areas of tall-grass prairie (especially native prairie, now a rare type), including places where such habitat is interspersed with agricultural fields. Mostly eating seeds, leaves, insects. Winter diet is mostly leaves and seeds, also waste grain in agricultural fields. Historically, may have eaten many acorns in winter, and still may do so where they are available. In summer eats a variety of leaves, buds, seeds, berries, and insects. Young birds eat more insects.

In spring, males gather on "booming grounds" and display there to attract females. Booming ground often on low hill, with good visibility; typically 8-20 males present, exceptionally up to 70. In display, male lowers head and raises tail, inflates air sacs on neck, raises feather tufts, stamps feet rapidly while making hollow moaning sounds; may leap in the air with loud cackles. Female visits booming ground, mates with one of the males. Nest site is on ground, among thick tall grass. Nest (built by female) is shallow depression lined with grass, leaves, feathers.

This grouse was very common in the Plymouth area, which means it's very likely they were among the birds that were described being present at the meal. They were plentiful and fed on the ground, making them relatively easy to catch and kill, a quality that unfortunately led to their species' disappearance. So, sorry, can't replicate this one for your Thanksgiving feast ever again.

Atlantic Coast race (Heath Hen) became extinct in 1932; Texas coast race (Attwater's) is seriously endangered. Loss of habitat is single greatest threat to remaining populations in interior

The International Avian Trainers Certification Board and the International Animal Trainers Certification Board, IATCB, offers you a way to gain professional credibility, increase your earnings potential, and advance your career. We live in a competitive world, and animal trainers are no different than anyone else looking for advanced knowledge and skill in their profession. IATCB endorses voluntary certification by examination for all professionals involved with animals, including trainers, educators, handlers, veterinarians, and all others involved in the care and handling of animals.

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