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Mullineaux E, Pawson C. Trends in Admissions and Outcomes at a British Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre over a Ten-Year Period (2012-2022). Animals (Basel) 2023; 14:86. [PMID: 38200817 PMCID: PMC10778305 DOI: 10.3390/ani14010086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Millions of animals pass through wildlife rehabilitation centres (WRCs) globally each year, some dying in captivity, others euthanised, and some released into the wild. Those caring for these animals are generally well-intentioned, but skills, knowledge, and resources may be limited, potentially compromising animal welfare. WRC databases provide an opportunity to provide an evidence base for treatment and conservation efforts. 42,841 records of animals admitted over a 10-year period to a British WRC were analysed. More birds (69.16%) were admitted than mammals (30.48%) and reptiles and amphibians (0.36%). Most admissions were in the summer (48.8%) and spring (26.0%) months. A total of 9 of the 196 species seen made up 57% of admissions, and hedgehogs were the most common species admitted (14% of all admissions and 20% of mammals). Juvenile animals (35.5%) were admitted more frequently than 'orphans' (26.0%) or adults (26.4%). 'Orphaned' was also the predominant reason for admission (28.3%), followed by 'injured' (25.5%). 42.6% of animals were eventually released back to the wild, 19.2% died in captivity, and 37.2% were euthanised; 1% of outcomes were unknown. The prognosis was better for orphaned animals than for those admitted because of injury. Unexpected natural deaths in captivity were found to decline over the period of study, consistent with improved early triage. These findings can be used to focus veterinary and WRC training and seasonal resources on the species and case types most likely to be successfully rehabilitated and released. The findings also have the potential to contribute to our understanding of anthropogenic impacts, historical and regional variations in ecosystem health, and resultant implications for animal welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Mullineaux
- Capital Veterinary Services Ltd., Haddington, East Lothian EH41 4JN, UK
- Secret World Wildlife Rescue, Highbridge, Somerset TA9 3PZ, UK
| | - Chris Pawson
- Department of Animal and Agriculture, Hartpury University, Hartpury, Gloucestershire GL19 3BE, UK;
- College of Health, Science and Society, University of the West of England, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK
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Monopoli MR, Guzman DSM, Paul-Murphy J, Beaufrère H, Hawkins MG. Evaluation of Thermal Antinociceptive Effects of Intramuscular Hydromorphone Hydrochloride in Great Horned Owls ( Bubo virginianus). J Avian Med Surg 2023; 37:209-216. [PMID: 37962314 DOI: 10.1647/jams-d-22-00063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Across the Americas, great horned owls (Bubo virginianus) are often presented to veterinarians for conditions requiring pain management. Although recent studies have evaluated opioid drugs in raptor species, information in Strigiformes is lacking. The objective of this study was to evaluate the analgesic effect and duration of action of hydromorphone hydrochloride, a full µ-opioid receptor agonist, in great horned owls. In a randomized, blinded, balanced crossover study, 6 adult birds (5 females and 1 male) received hydromorphone (0.3 and 0.6 mg/kg) or saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (0.03 mL/kg; control) in the left pectoral muscle, with a 7-day washout interval between treatments. Each bird was assigned an agitation-sedation score, and the thermal foot withdrawal threshold (TFWT) was measured at predetermined times before (t = 0 hours) and after treatment administration (t = 0.5, 1.5, 3, and 6 hours). Measurements of the TFWT were obtained with a test box equipped with a thermal perch, which delivered a gradually increasing temperature 40-62°C (104-143.6°F) to the right plantar surface of the owl's foot. Compared with controls, hydromorphone at 0.3 mg/kg dose resulted in significantly higher mean TFWT at 0.5 hours (P < 0.001), 1.5 hours (P = 0.003), and 3 hours (P = 0.005), whereas the 0.6 mg/kg dose resulted in significantly higher mean TFWT from 0.5 hours (P = 0.035) to 1.5 hours (P = 0.001). Both hydromorphone doses were associated with a significant change in the agitation-sedation score (P = 0.001), consistent with mild to moderate sedation. Two owls were observed tremoring after administration of the 0.6 mg/kg dose, which was not noted after the 0.5-hour timepoint; no other adverse effects were identified. This study offers scientific evidence to support the use of a µ-opioid agonist in great horned owls for pain management. Pharmacokinetics and other pharmacodynamic studies of other pain models evaluating hydromorphone and other opioid drugs in this species are still needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa Rae Monopoli
- University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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Gomez EA, Prestridge HL, Smith JA. Anthropogenic threats to owls: Insights from rehabilitation admittance data and rodenticide screening in Texas. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289228. [PMID: 37540671 PMCID: PMC10403058 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Owls (Strigiformes) provide myriad ecosystem services and are sentinels for ecosystem health. However, they are at continued risk from anthropogenic threats such as vehicle collisions, entanglement with human-made materials, and exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs), a widespread pesticide known to affect owls. Texas is an important region for numerous migratory and non-migratory owl species in the United States (US), yet assessments of threats owls face here are lacking preventing the development of informed conservation strategies. This study coupled assessment of admittance data from two wildlife rehabilitation centers in Texas with AR liver screening to (1) identify which species of owls are commonly admitted, (2) evaluate seasonality of admittance, and (3) assess causes of admittance for owls in Texas. Between 2010 and 2021, 1,620 owls were admitted into rehabilitation, representing eight species of which the Great-horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) was the most common. For all owls combined admittance rates were highest in the spring, driven by an influx of juveniles (n = 703, 43.40%). The leading cause of admittance amongst species was 'no apparent injury' (n = 567, 34.94%). Where clear diagnoses could be made, the leading causes of admittances were 'entrapment in human infrastructure' (n = 100, 6.11%) and 'collision with vehicles' (n = 74, 4.56%). While the admittance data did not reveal any cases of AR poisoning, liver screening demonstrated high incidences of AR exposure; of 53 owls screened for ARs, 50.94% (n = 27) tested positive with 18 showing exposure to multiple ARs. Brodifacoum was the most frequently detected AR (n = 19, 43.18%) and seven owls (25.93%) tested positive within lethal ranges. Our results suggest that owls in Texas are at risk from myriad anthropogenic threats and face high exposure rates to ARs. In doing so, our results can inform conservation strategies that mitigate anthropogenic threats faced by owls in Texas and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eres A Gomez
- Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Heather L Prestridge
- Biodiversity Research and Teaching Collections, Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jennifer A Smith
- Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
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McPherson SC, Sumasgutner P, Hoffman BH, Padbury BDL, Brown M, Caine TP, Downs CT. Surviving the Urban Jungle: Anthropogenic Threats, Wildlife-Conflicts, and Management Recommendations for African Crowned Eagles. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.662623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Larger carnivores often trigger human-wildlife conflicts that arise from perceived threats to humans and domestic animals’ safety, which generate the need for management and removal strategies. These issues become especially challenging when humans and wildlife coexist close to one another, for example, in urban landscapes. African Crowned Eagles (Stephanoaetus coronatus) are powerful forest raptors that breed within the metropolitan green-space system of Durban and Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. Negative human-wildlife interactions can occur because eagles occasionally predate on pets, such as cats (Felis catus) and small dogs (Canis lupus familiaris), and provisioning domestic stock to nest sites has previously been quantified. Here, wildlife management becomes critical, usually aimed at reducing or eliminating causes of economic or social harm, but have to be balanced against conservation goals regarding threatened species. In this study, we (i) identified causes of harm or loss of Crowned Eagles because of injuries (n = 53 incidents; 31 mortalities); and (ii) describe interactions with negative perceptions to human livelihoods, particularly concerning predation on pets and livestock. Anthropogenic causes of mortality were more likely to be reported than remote natural deaths, which provides important opportunities for mitigation measures. Most avoidable are electrocution on utility poles, persecution via gunshot wounds and poisoning (targeted or secondary), while collisions with anthropogenic structures, such as glass panes, vehicles and fence wires, are more challenging to mitigate. Out of 44 verified Crowned Eagle vs. pets and livestock conflicts, we documented 19 dog attacks (2012–2020), with detrimental impacts on social perception and acceptance of urban eagles. Pet and livestock conflicts were primarily associated with juveniles and immature eagles (83%). Of these, 19% occurred during September alone, which marks the end of the post-fledging dependency period; 70% occurred outside the breeding season. We provide management recommendations regarding various categories of Crowned Eagle human-wildlife interactions. For example, activities such as rehabilitation and falconry can coordinate to achieve a high standard of public support and conservation outcomes for Crowned Eagles. Finally, we discuss using different management intervention strategies, including rehabilitation, falconry, re-wildling processes, and lethal control of specific “problem” individuals toward achieving the goal of sustainable, healthy Crowned Eagle populations that coexist with humans in urban landscapes.
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Downs CT, Alexander J, Brown M, Chibesa M, Ehlers Smith YC, Gumede ST, Hart L, Josiah KK, Kalle R, Maphalala M, Maseko M, McPherson S, Ngcobo SP, Patterson L, Pillay K, Price C, Raji IA, Ramesh T, Schmidt W, Senoge ND, Shivambu TC, Shivambu N, Singh N, Singh P, Streicher J, Thabethe V, Thatcher H, Widdows C, Wilson AL, Zungu MM, Ehlers Smith DA. Modification of the third phase in the framework for vertebrate species persistence in urban mosaic environments. AMBIO 2021; 50:1866-1878. [PMID: 33677809 PMCID: PMC8363720 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-021-01501-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Urbanisation is rapidly transforming natural landscapes with consequences for biodiversity. Little is documented on the response of African wildlife to urbanisation. We reviewed case studies of vertebrate species' responses to urbanisation in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa to determine trends. Connected habitat mosaics of natural and anthropogenic green spaces are critical for urban wildlife persistence. We present a novel modification to the final of three phases of the framework described by Evans et al. (2010), which documents this sequence for vertebrate species persistence, based on the perspective of our research. Species in suburbia exhibit an initial phase where behavioural and ecological flexibility, life-history traits and phenotypic plasticity either contribute to their success, or they stay at low numbers. Where successful, the next phase is a rapid increase in populations and distribution; anthropogenic food resources and alternate breeding sites are effectively exploited. The modified third phase either continues to spread, plateau or decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen T. Downs
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Jarryd Alexander
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Mark Brown
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Moses Chibesa
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Yvette C. Ehlers Smith
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - S. Thobeka Gumede
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Lorinda Hart
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Kyrone K. Josiah
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Riddhika Kalle
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Machawe Maphalala
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Mfundo Maseko
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Shane McPherson
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Samukelisiwe P. Ngcobo
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Lindsay Patterson
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Kerushka Pillay
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Cormac Price
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Islamiat Abidemi Raji
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Tharmalingam Ramesh
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Warren Schmidt
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Ntaki D. Senoge
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Tinyiko C. Shivambu
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Ndivhuwo Shivambu
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Nikisha Singh
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Preshnee Singh
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Jarryd Streicher
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Vuyisile Thabethe
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Harriet Thatcher
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Craig Widdows
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Amy-Leigh Wilson
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Manqoba M. Zungu
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - David A. Ehlers Smith
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, P/Bag X01, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
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