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RISK FACTORS FOR MORTALITY IN BIRDS OF PREY UNDERGOING REHABILITATION IN SOUTHERN BRAZIL
Ana P Morel1, Katia Jaggi2, Eduarda A N L Dias Cavalcanti2
1Universidade Federal de Pelotas-Faculdade de Veterinária, Campus Universitário Capão do Leão, Capão do Leão, RS, Brazil, apmvet@gmail.com.
Summary
Conservation of birds of prey is crucial. Adult raptors with multiple injuries face higher mortality, while longer rehabilitation increases release chances for these vital predators.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary medicine
- Wildlife conservation
- Avian ecology
Background:
- Birds of prey are essential apex predators for ecological balance.
- Raptor conservation is critical for ecosystem health.
- Rehabilitation centers play a key role in aiding injured raptors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify risk factors for mortality or release in treated raptors.
- To inform conservation strategies and veterinary decision-making in rehabilitation.
- To analyze outcomes for raptors based on age, injury type, and treatment duration.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 1,035 raptor cases from three southern Brazil rehabilitation centers.
- Examined factors including species, age, admission season, affected body systems, and time in care.
- Statistical analysis to determine correlations between risk factors and outcomes (release vs. mortality/euthanasia).
Main Results:
- Strigiformes, particularly the tropical screech owl (Megascops choliba), were most common.
- Adult raptors and those with multiple body systems affected had significantly higher mortality rates.
- Raptors with respiratory injuries faced a higher fatality rate.
- Extended time in captivity correlated positively with higher release rates.
Conclusions:
- Age and the number of affected body systems are significant predictors of raptor survival.
- Respiratory injuries present a poorer prognosis.
- Longer rehabilitation periods improve the chances of successful reintroduction, supporting conservation efforts.
