A Retrospective Analysis of Wildlife Rehabilitation Trends in Lithuania over Two Decades

The primary aim of wildlife rehabilitation centres is the release of treated animals back into the wild after treatment. Data collected during rehabilitation can provide valuable insights into current trends and can help with conservation strategies aiming to reduce human-related negative impact. This review analyses records from past and currently operating wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centres in Lithuania over a 23-year period. Data were compiled for 7847 individual animals representing 216 species of birds, mammals, and reptiles. The study evaluates patterns of seasonal admission, taxonomic composition, known causes of injury or admission, and rehabilitation outcomes. The results showed that 83% of cases involved birds, mammals comprised 16%, and reptiles were recorded only infrequently (0.52%). Admissions peaked in summer, comprising 42% of all cases. Injuries of unknown origin were the most common (55%). Among cases with identified causes, a substantial proportion were associated with human activities, including road accidents (5% of all cases), collisions with anthropogenic structures (4%), and attacks by domestic cats or dogs (3%). The presence of a specialized rehabilitation centre, together with active public involvement in the rescue of injured wildlife, contributes to release rates reaching approximately 30% of admitted animals. Datasets such as those analyzed in this study may contribute to improved preparedness for managing unavoidable human-wildlife interactions in the future.