synoptic 3 revision notes Flashcards
1 introduction
Wildlife rehabilitation = The managed process whereby a displaced, sick, injured, or orphaned wild animal regains the heath and skills it requires to function normally and live self-sufficiently in the wild.
wildlife ecology = the scientific discipline of applying ecological principles to the study of wildlife species and their habitats.
Wildlife conservation = Is the practice of protecting wild species and their habitats in order to prevent species from going extinct
2 species identification
Why do we use scientific names to help id animals = Scientific names were formed through LINNAEAN CLASSIFICATION.
= CARL LINNAEUS – a Swedish botanist, zoologist and physician who formalised binomial nomenclature the modern system naming organisms
= people from around the globe can id species no matter what language they speak
Binomial nomenclature = is a formal system of naming species of living things by giving each name composed of two parts genus and species.
botanist = an expert in or student of the scientific study of plants.
Why is species id important in wildlife rehabilitation = To ensure that animals are given the correct care and diet
3 wildlife behavioural patterns
3 wildlife behavioural patterns
Crepuscular = active at dawn and dusk.
diurnal = active during the day
nocturnal = active the most and night and sleep during the day.
territorial = an animal or group protect its territories from invaders of other species or the same species.
migration = usually seasonal movement of all or part of animal population to and from a given area.
Migration = animals migrate for two reasons food resource and mating
4 wildlife habitat requirements
essential elements
food and water = are necessary for all wildlife to survive
cover = cover is not only needed as shelter from the elements and predators, but it is also necessary to protect animals while they are feeding, breeding, roosting, nesting, and traveling
roosting = settle or congregate for rest or sleep.
Space = Is necessary to avoid over- competition for food. Some animals also need a certain amount of territorial space for nesting and mating.
Arrangement = Refers to the placement of food water cover and space in a habitat. The ideal arrangement allows animals to meet all of their needs in a small area, so they minimize the energy they use.
5 population dynamics and breeding strategies
5 population dynamics and breeding strategies
These are the known levels of an organisation. = Individual
= Population
= Community
= Ecosystem
= Biome
= Biosphere
Demes (population) = A population is a group of individuals of the same species that inhabit a given area
= Animals disperse themselves within an area if the environment is patchy I.E., not all areas provide equally suitable habitat or individuals exhibit patterns of spacing in relation to one another
Clumped dispersal = Individuals live in areas of high local abundance which are separated by low areas of abundance.
= Individuals are attracted to stay close to each other usually die to a common resource/ patchy environment
= Seen in migrating animals – safety in numbers
= Also seen in plant species – compete for the same resources.
Uniform dispersal = Individuals are evenly spaced through the environment.
= May result from territoriality (nesting sea birds, wolf territories)
= Also result from competition for resources
Random dispersal = Individuals have an equal probability of occurring anywhere in an area.
= This type of dispersion is common in species in which there are no strong attractions or repulsions amongst individuals of a population.
= Rare in nature as the environments tends to impose some pattern of distribution.
Population growth = Populations are assessed to understand how and why they fluctuate. This can aid with population management and conservation.
What are the basic factors that influence population change = Growth – population increase
= Immigration – arrival of new individuals into a habitat or deme.
= Natality – birth
= Production of new animals in a deme
= Natality is influenced by age, health, environment, resources, and breeding strategy
= Decrease – population decrease
= Emigration – movement of part of a population permanently out of an area.
= Mortality – death
= Mortality is also influenced by age, health environment and resources.
Population Dynamics - Population growth can be influenced by = Natural Influences (abiotic + biotic)
= Biotic (living) E.g., predation, disease, competition
= Density dependant factors. The effect these factors have on the population varies with regards to population size.
= Abiotic (non-living) E.g., weather
= Density independent. These factors will still affect a population no matter the population size.
Human Influences = Habitat destruction
= Invasive Species
= Overfishing
= Hunting
= Pollution
= Global warming
Growth curves = graphical representation that shows the course of a phenomenon over time
= phenomenon - a fact or situation that is observed to exist or happen, especially one whose cause or explanation is in question
= populations do not all grow the same
= scientists use visual growth curves to understand population growth.
Exponential Growth (J curve) = Unlimited growth
= Occurs when there are no factors regulating growth.
= Populations rarely grow exponentially (More and more rapidly) to infinity numbers.
Logistic Growth (S curve) = Regulated growth
= Assumes that population growth is regulated according to resource availability (e.g., space, mates, food).
= Habitats can only sustain a certain number of a specific species; we call this the carrying capacity
Carrying capacity = is the largest possible number of individuals of a species that a habitat can support over a long period of time.
Population cycles = Some populations never reach nor exceed the carrying capacity.
= We call these population fluctuations, and they tend to be seen in predator prey relationship cycles.
Breeding Strategies – K = High density demes
= Population grows slowly.
= They often have few young and look after them
= Slow reproduction rate
= Low population growth
= Population size tends to stay close to carrying capacity
= Animals have poor dispersal so tend to stay in one place
= Found in stable habitats with lots of resources close by
= Animals tend to be large in body size
= Animals tend to have a long-life span
= Orang-utang – k
= African elephant – k
= Human – k
= Giant otter – k
= Blue whale- k
= Wandering albatross – k
Breeding Strategies – r = Low density demes
= Population grows more rapidly.
= Selection favours adaptations that promote rapid reproduction.
= They often have lots of young and don’t look after them
= Rapid reproduction rate
= High population growth
= Population size may exceed carrying capacity - then crash
= Animals have good dispersal so will move to new areas
= Found in unstable habitats – resources are not guaranteed
= Animals tend to be small in body size
= Animals tend to have a short life span
= Black bean aphid – r
= 7 spotted lady bird – r
= Cinnabar moth – r
= Streaked tenrec – r
= Rabbit – r
= Bank vole – r
6 – predator/ prey relationships
Predator- prey population dynamics
= Predators kill and eat prey
= Affects prey death rate
= Affects predator birth rate
= The continuous cycle of population increases, and decrease is called a boom and bust
Negative interactions = inferior prey animals are called these are typically old, week, diseased, malnourished, or young.
Positive interactions = partial population control due to mortality caused by predator.
biological control = Biologist have often used predator – prey relationships to control animal populations
7 predator prey interactions
7 predator prey interactions
Food web levels
Producer - grows, or supplies goods
Primary consumer - Primary consumers are usually herbivores that feed on autotrophic plants, which produce their own food through photosynthesis.
Secondary consumer - are organisms that eat primary consumers for energy
Tertiary consumer - an animal that obtains its nutrition by eating primary consumers and secondary consumers.
Hunting strategies
Ambush = Ambush hunting means lying in wait for prey to come along.
= Seen in frogs, crocodiles, lizards, and some insects.
= Success rating – low
= Energy expenditure – low cost
Stalking = Stalking is a deliberate form of hunting with quick attack
= Seen in heron, cats
= Searching can be a long-time high-energy cost
= Actual pursuit a short time low energy cost
Pursuit = Pursuit hunting is typically seen in animals that know the location of their prey
= Seen in hawk, lion, wolves
= Search time is minimal low energy expenditure
= Pursuit time is great high energy expenditure
Predator tactics
= Natural selection favours characteristics that enable a predator to locate obtain and consume prey
= This selective pressure has resulted in tactics and behaviours to increase hunting success
= Example – alligator, snapping turtles using their tongue as a lure.
Cryptic colouration – blending into the background/ braking up outlines
Deception – mimicking or luring in prey
Chemical poisons – chemicals poisons may be injected or sprayed
Forming groups – increase hunting success
Parasitism
= A tactic whereby a female will lay her eggs inside a host.
= Females may lay one or many eggs
= This is common in parasitoid wasps
= Once hatched the lava will keep the host alive whilst they gain nutrients from it – this is so the host can continue its normal feeding pattern thus feeding the parasites.
what happens when the larva is ready to pupate
the larvae may exit the host and pupate on the outside of the host or if only one eggs was laid in the host when the host pupates instead of a moth/ butterfly a wasp will emerge, or the larvae will simply eat the host from inside out
Prey defence
Chemical defence
= Some fish release alarm chemicals that induce flight reactions in members of the same species.
= The stinkbug discharges a volatile secretion from a pair of glands to discourage predation.
= Toxins can be made/stored by animals which are distasteful.
Cryptic colouration
= Includes colours and patterns that allow prey to blend into the background.
= Protective colouration
= Object resemblance
= Eye spots
= Flashing
Warning colouration
= Aposematism - denoting coloration or markings serving to warn or repel predators.
= Animals that employ chemicals often have warning colours.
= Predators must have an unpleasant experience with the prey before they learn to associate the colour pattern with unpalatability or pain.
Batesian mimicry
= The mimic (edible) resembles an inedible species (model).
= Usually seen when nontoxic species live in the same area as toxic species.
Müllerian mimicry
= The mimic (nontoxic) shares a similar colouration to a toxic species (model).
= These tend to be unrelated species.
= Example wasp, cinnabar moth caterpillar, honeybee
Protective armour
= Animals may have armoured coats, spines, shells for protection
Behavioural defences
= Example: fleeing, alarm calls, changing stance, living in groups etc
Predator satiation
= Where the majority of offspring are born in a short time period.
= Prey are so abundant that predators only take a fraction.
Coevolutionary Arms Race
= Predator and prey are locked in a coevolutionary arms race.
= Prey evolve another strategy to strategy to avoid being eaten
= Predators evolve another strategy to find and locate prey
8 Evolution and Speciation
8 Evolution and Speciation
Species
= A species is often defined as a group of individuals that actually or potentially interbreed in nature. In this sense, a species is the biggest gene pool possible under natural conditions.
= For example, these happy face spiders look different, but since they can interbreed, they are considered the same species: Theridion grallator
Speciation
= Speciation occurs as a population divides into two or more reproductively isolated populations
= What are the main causes of speciation:
= Geographical isolation (allopatric speciation)
= Reduction of gene flow (sympatric speciation)
Geographic Isolation – Allopatric
= Speciation can start as populations become prevented from interbreeding by time and space.
What type of barriers could prevent species coming into contact with one another?
= Rivers
= Mountains
= Canyons
= Unfavourable habitats
= Timings of breeding seasons
= Example - Hawaiian Fruit Flies
= There are at least 700 species of fruit fly on Hawaiian Islands.
= They have speciated as they have colonised new islands.
= Species differ in size, wing pattern and head shape
Reduction of gene flow – Sympatric
= Sympatric species live in the same area so have the opportunity to interbreed but do not.
= Example - Apple Maggot Flies
= 200 years ago, the ancestors of apple maggot flies laid their eggs only on hawthorns — but today, these flies lay eggs on hawthorns (which are native to America) and domestic apples (which were introduced to America by immigrants and bred).
= Females generally choose to lay their eggs on the type of fruit they grew up in, males tend to look for mates on the type of fruit they grew up in.
= This means that gene flow between parts of the population that mate on different types of fruit is reduced.
= In fewer than 200 years, some genetic differences between these two groups of flies have evolved
What is gene flow?
= The movement of genes between a population.
= Gene flow is essential for genetic variation and diversity.
= Higher genetic diversity means that there are more varied characteristics – some will be more suited to the environment than others.
Natural Selection
= Natural selection increases characteristics (genes) that are favourable to a population.
Types of evolution
The definition of evolution is a change in a population of a species over time. There are many different ways that evolution can happen in a population including both artificial selection and natural selection. The evolutionary path a species takes can also differ depending on the environment and other biological factors.
Divergent evolution - Two different species share a common ancestor, but they have different characteristics from one another
Example 1 – dog and wolves the wolf has evolved and changed appearance and characteristics to have become a new species we now call a dog.
Example 2: poler bare and a brown bare share common ancestor have evolved to be different examples include the colour a poler bare is white and a brown bare is brown. They have also adapted to survive in different climates the poler bare inhabits the artic and the brown bare inhabits woodland in Europe.
Example 3 Moth and a butterfly They share a common ancestor and share the ability to fly however they have evolved to be visually different Butterflies tend to fold their wings vertically up over their backs. Moths tend to hold their wings in a tent-like fashion that hides the abdomen. Butterflies are typically larger and have more colourful patterns on their wings. Moths are typically smaller with drab-coloured wings. They have also adapted to be behaviourally different with Butterflies being primarily diurnal, flying in the daytime. Moths are generally nocturnal, flying at night.
Example 4– zebra, horse and donkey were once all the same species but have evolved to have different appearance and characteristics to one another and become new species.
Example 5 - Two species that are very closely related and have undergone divergent evolution are the kit fox (Vulpes macrotis) and the Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus).
The kit fox is native to Western North America and is adapted to desert environments; it has sandy coloration, and large ears, which help it to remove excess body heat.
The Arctic fox is native to Arctic regions and lives in the Arctic tundra biome of the Northern Hemisphere. Best adapted to cold climates, it has thick fur, which is white in the winter and brown in the summer, and a small, round body shape that minimizes heat loss.
Having diverged from a recent common ancestor, both these species have had to adapt to their extremely different habitats.
Convergent evolution - Two different species do not share a common ancestor but have developed similar characteristics through adaptation to similar environmental conditions.
Example 1 Hedgehogs and echidnas both have a protective coat of spikes, both mammals, both species curl up into a ball to defend against predators, and both hibernate,
Example 2 Hyenas and dogs
Example 3 Tapirs and pigs
Example 4: bird and a moth they do not share a common ancestor but have developed to be similar and as they can both fly, both have wings, and both live in trees.
Example 5: bats and birds do not share a common ancestor but have developed to be similar some examples include They both eat fruit, nectar, and insects, they both have streamlined bodies, which makes it easier for them to fly Both have wings to fly. They’re both around the same size and They both live in trees.
Parallel evolution - Once had a common ancestor and had similar traits but have now evolved different traits independently of each other.
Example 1 ground hog and wombat,
Example 2 Wolf and Tasmanian wolf
Example 3 flying squirrel and flying phalanger.
Driving Forces for Evolution
= Each species occupies a niche in the community.
= A niche is the role the species plays, and includes the type of food it eats, where it lives, where it reproduces, and its relationships with other species.
= When we look at evolution and speciation, individuals tend to speciate to exploit new and vacant niches
Ecological Niche – example
Different species of warbler bird have a different niche in its spruce tree habitat. By feeding in different areas of the tree, the birds avoid competing with one another for food.
9 - How evolution affects ecosystems over time
9 - How evolution affects ecosystems over time
Darwin’s Finches – Divergent Evolution
= Darwin’s finches (also known as the Galápagos finches) are a group of about 15 species of passerine birds.
= They are well known for their remarkable diversity in beak form and function.
= This is known as natural selection, but also a form of divergent evolution.
Evolution affects within ecosystems
= Increased/decreased pressure from competition or predation can result in speciation
= Increased/decreased reproduction e.g., explosion/decline in species numbers
= Increase/decrease in food source/habitat can cause fluctuations of species
= Introduction of a new species into ecosystem can provide food for higher order species
= Greater adaptation to change in food source/habitat/environment, e.g., beaks of Darwin’s finches
10 Wildlife Management Plans
10 Wildlife Management Plans
What is a management plan = a comprehensive plan that clearly specifics the intended objectives of the proposed project witch in this case are the aim to maintain wildlife populations and the habits that they inhabit. – maintaining wildlife species populations and the habitat. An example would be maintaining the habitat that red squirrels inhabit to preserve and maintain the species populations.
Why is habitat management important = Habitat management is crucial to maintaining the quality, and preserving the habitat and the animal populations that inhabit it -
What is habitat management = Habitat management is commonly used to maintain and enhance the biological interest of many areas of semi natural habitat where natural processes no longer create suitable conditions for desired species – improving the quality of habitats and preserving the species is there.
What is the two main components to consider when thinking about carrying capacity in a wildlife management plan?
= There are several factors to remember when considering carrying capacity.
= Carrying capacity changes with the seasons.
= Summer carrying capacity is usually higher than winter carrying capacity. Manage for extremes when considering carrying capacity.
= Habitat will have a higher carrying capacity in a mild winter than during a severe one.
= Exceeding carrying capacity will have a compounding effect on the habitat. For example, if too many animals are present on a parcel of land, they will over-browse and kill shrubs. As a result, that same range will support fewer animals than it could have supported before over-browsing.
= One species can affect the carrying capacity of another species. Heavy use of an area by elk may increase the browse line to a height deer cannot reach.
= Carrying capacity may change from year to year. For example, snow depth, drought, cover and food can affect the land’s carrying capacity. In general, try to manage for “optimum” carrying capacity, which means trying to find a population level that can be maintained in good condition on a sustained basis
Management Plans
= Management plans are used in wildlife conservation and rehabilitation to monitor populations of species for increases or decreases.
= They can be used for endangered or declining species, species which are becoming overpopulated or to monitor non-native species.
= They are carried out by surveying the population and creating actions to keep the population stable or aid an increase or decrease in the population.
Considerations when managing populations or habitats
= Before completing a management plan of any kind, you need to survey what is already on the land you are hoping to manage (animal and plant species.
= You then get to ensure you have the required equipment, permissions from landowners and a solid methodology.
= After setting up and completing the management plan it is vital that the results are monitored and analysed.
Managing populations or habitats
•Planning and preparation
•Resources
•Landowner
•What needs to be achieved
11 Wildlife Management Plans – part 2
11 Wildlife Management Plans – part 2
Considerations when managing populations or habitats
Before completing a management plan of any kind, you need to survey what is already on the land you are hoping to manage (animal and plant species.
You then get to ensure you have the required equipment, permissions from landowners and a solid methodology.
After setting up and completing the management plan it is vital that the results are monitored and analysed.
Scottish wildcat introduction
How did the research team survey the wildcats before beginning the survey?
Using local landowners to set up cameras to locate the wild cat. Putting cameras near water, using food to attract wild cat to the cameras.
What issues did the team face throughout?
Ferrell and domestic cats breeding with wildcats – hybridisation- cross breeding between wild and domestic animals
Public opinion- lack of public support
Other animals eating the bait put out for wildcats.
Spread of diseases
Food availability
How do they combat these issues? Do you agree with the methods used?
Mass Neutering of all male cats in the area.
Legislation in relation to neutering.
Why do wildcats need to be saved?
There are only around 50 left in the wild.
There are limited numbers of pure breeding between the wild cats.
Critically endangered
Ecosystem imbalance – overpopulation of prey species
What are the possible issues with using zoo conservation for wild cat conservation?
Doesn’t help conserve and preserve the eco system
Damages the chances of the population growing in the wild by taking the wild once’s into captivity.
Are the breeding chances better in the wild or in captivity.
What are the problems faced when re-introducing the Lynx?
Sheep and farm animals being killed.
Human interaction
What considerations would need to be applied to this study in order to set up a management plan?
Effect on domestic and farmed animals.
Space, food, water and shelter available for the animals.
Management plan – Read the management plan example - Answer the following questions
What is the aim of the management plan?
= To inform all parties involved of a clear plan of population control
Why is the management plan put in place?
= To fix the imbalance of a species in an area of inform all people involved of the clear plan in place.
What are the key aspects of a management plant?
= Plan
= Audit
= Setting objectives
= Setting targets
= Select methods
= Actions
= Monitoring
= Review.
12 Key terms and biomes
12 Key terms and biomes
Drought - a long period with low rainfall resulting in a shortage of water
Famine – Extreme shortage of food
Ecological niche –describes how a species interacts within an ecosystem (its role and position within the environment)
Metapopulations - A metapopulation consists of a group of spatially separated populations of the same species which interact at some level.
Seasonality – seasonal variations (change), perhaps in climate/weather or species behaviours
Variations - a change or slight difference in condition, amount, or level, typically within certain limits.
Dispersal- the action or process of distributing or spreading things or animals over a wide area.
Fecundity- the ability to produce an abundance (large amount) of offspring or new growth, fertility.
Abundance - very large quantity of something.
Natality- birth rate
Mortality- death rate
Growth- the process of increasing in size
Biomes
= biomes a large naturally occurring community of flora and fauna occupying a major habitat, e.g., forest or tundra.
= Biomes refer to a large open region or area characterised by the following:
= A particular pattern of the annual temperature and precipitation distribution
= The dominant fauna (animals) and flora (plants)
= In describing a biome, the focus is on its plant life, animal life, and climate region.
Major biomes of the world
= Tropical Rainforest
= Savannah
= Desert
= Chaparral
= Grassland
= Temperate Deciduous Forest
= Temperate Boreal Forest
= Arctic & Alpine Tundra
= Lake
= River
= Intertidal zones
= Estuaries
= Open ocean
= Coral reef
= Wetland
= Mangrove
Factors affecting animal populations
= Climate change
= Deforestation
= Habitat loss
= Lack of food resource
= Prey predator relationships
= Disease
= Dispersal
= Natality (birth)
= Mortality (death)
= Competition
= Hunting / poaching
= Flooding
= Pollution
= Global warming
= Natural disasters
13 Changes in the global system
13 Changes in the global system Changes in ecosystems Wind natural positive and negative Rain natural positive and negative wildfire natural positive and negative Earthquake natural positive and negative Habitat loss human negative Climate change natural and human negative Deforestation human negative Lack of food resource human and natural negative Prey predator relationships natural positive and negative Disease natural - negative human – positive for population control Dispersal/ migration • natural and human • positive and negative Natality (birth) • natural • positive and negative Mortality (death) natural positive and negative Competition natural positive and negative Hunting / poaching 1. human 2. negative Flooding natural negative Pollution 1. human 2. negative Global warming = natural and human = negative Conservation 1.human 2.positive chemical pollution = human = negative What causes changes in ecosystems? • Natural changes can affect an ecosystem. Wind, rain, predation, and earthquakes are all examples of natural processes which impact an ecosystem. • There are two types of natural ecological change. These are known as primary and secondary succession Human induced changes to ecosystems • Humans also affect ecosystems by reducing habitat, over-hunting, spreading pesticides or fertilizers, and other influences. • Watch the video below and name a range of ways in which humans have negatively caused ecosystem change: • Pollution – air – water - • The destruction, degradation, and fragmentation of habitat. • Exploitation of species – harvesting for profit – agriculture and fishing • Introduction of alien (non-native) species • Climate change Natural Changes to Ecosystems – Ecological Succession Answer the following questions whilst watching the video: • Is a process by which an ecological community undergrows change following a disturbance or the initial colonisation of a new habitat for example the islands of Hawaii were formed from a volcanic activity from their fiery start over time they become tropical islands there are two main types of succession primary and secondary • Primary succession- occurs in new areas that have little or no soil in other words the area has been almost completely destroyed or as newly formed for example new islands can be created from lava flows the creates a new land without soil a volcano may destroy a very large area this would be an example of primary succession over time dirt is formed plants begin to grow in a forest or a grassland may return the first species that colonize this new land is called the pioneer species. Lichen and moss are many times pioneer species. • Secondary succession- occurs when an existing ecosystem has been destroyed or disturbed, they are more minor in magnitude compared to a primary succession for example a forest fire may destroy a large area of trees and plants, or flooding can destroy an area. The fire destroys plants, but soil remains, and the forest grows back. These disturbances can actually be healthy for an area over time because they can lead to increased biodiversity • Give an example of primary succession • Occurs in new areas with little to new soil • Volcano may create a new island
- Give an example of secondary succession
- When an existing ecosystem has been destroyed
- Fire may destroy an area with lots of plants and trees and soil re grows the same plants and trees.
• Why can secondary succession be a good thing?
• Can lead to more desirable plant growth
Increase biodiversity and healthy ecosystem
14 In- situ and ex- situ conservation
14 In- situ and ex- situ conservation Conservation methods • Planting trees and plants to improve forest –habitat restoration • Repopulations of species in an area • Captive breeding • Research • Protective areas – preventing hunting and poaching on land • Protective species - preventing hunting and poaching on species • Education • Sanctuaries • Re wildling • Rehabilitation • Species reintroduction • Fundraising What is in-situ conservation • Onsite conservation in the location – natural habitat Examples • Planting trees and plants to improve forest –habitat restoration • Repopulations of species in an area • Protective areas – preventing hunting and poaching on land • Protective species - preventing hunting and poaching on species • Sanctuaries • Re wildling • Rehabilitation centres • Species reintroduction • Education research • species ecology • population dynamics • reintroduction success habitat management • creating new habitats • maintaining/ restoring habitats • reducing vulnerability of isolated habitats legislation • wildlife action planning • conservation strategies what is ex-situ conservation • Off site conservation taking place somewhere else – non natural habitat Examples • Captive breeding • Research • Education • Fundraising • sanctuaries • rehabilitation centres captive breeding studbook management preparing animals for reintroduction zoo legislation must engage in captive breeding must engage in education and fundraising included in both methods education and raising awareness fundraising
16 national conservation strategies
16 national conservation strategies
Biodiversity– range of species in a habitat.
Uk biodiversity action plan
The uk BAP was published in 1994
It was the government’s response to the convention of biological diversity held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992
The uk was the first country to produce national biodiversity action plan
Action plans for the most threatened species and habitats were set out to aid recovery
There are 1150 species included on the uk BAP priority species list.
Uk BAP is priority species were those that were identified as being the most threatened and requiring conservation action under the uk biodiversity action plan.
All species have a species account
The uk countries in which the species occurs
Whether or not the species has restricted distribution
Why the species qualifies as a uk Bap priority species
The evidence under pointing the qualification of each species
The actions required for each species as identified b species experts
Species listed as uk BAP priority species
Herring gull
European hedgehog
Baskin shark
Grate crested newt
Cuckoo
Skylark
Water vole
Pine martin
Pole cat
Brown long eared bat
Red squirrel
Scottish wild cat
A sub species of wildcat that inhibited the British isle 9000 years ago
Since then, it has been prosecuted by farmers, catching disease
In response to decrease in numbers the Scottish wildcat action group was formed in 2013
This will assist in breeding programmes and created protected sites for conservation
Both the feral cat and wild cat inhabit different niches
The more diluted the genetic diversity the more susceptible wild cats will become for the Ferrell cat
17 IUCN RED LIST
17 IUCN RED LIST
What is IUCN
International union for conservation of nature
Established in 1948
Composed of both government and non- government organisations
1,300-member organisation and 10,000 experts
Dedicated to species survival environment law, protected areas social and economic policy ecosystem management and education and communication
IUCN congresses have produced several international agreements includes CITES conservation on international trade in endangered species
IUCN red list
Recognised as the most comprehensive approach to evaluate species conservation statues
Plays prominent role in guiding conservation activities across the world
More that 91,000 species have be assessed (plants, animals, and fungi)
Species can be reassessed to change status (e.g., giant panda recently changed from endangered to vulnerable)
IUCN red list categories
Extinct – completely non existent
Extinct in the wild – extinct in the wild but population in captivity
Critically endangered – close to extinction
Endangered – at risk of becoming extinct
Vulnerable – at risk
Near threatened – close to being at risk
Last concern – stable population
Data deficient – lack of data
Not evaluated – haven’t being studied
18 human impact on wildlife
18 human impact on wildlife Human impact of wildlife More and more people moving into wildlife habitats When land is developed for homes businesses or farming wildlife Reasons for admission to wildlife rehabilitation centres 1. Road traffic accidents 2. Starvation due to lack of food caused by habitat loss 3. Collisions – power lines, fences 4. Litter consumption(ingested), injury’s 5. Shot 6. Traps 7. Pollution 8. Disease 9. Displacement 10. Fishing – hooks, line Litter 1. External injuries 2. Ingestion Fishing litter • Hooks • Floats • Line Persecution Traps and snares Poisoning Gun shot Cruelty Collisions RTA Windows Powerlines
Dog and cat attacks Predication Territorial disputes Disease Mange Ring worm Pocks virus Orphaned animals
Pollution Oils spills Litter Extreme natural events Floods Fire Wind Good intentions Taking animals home/ to rehab centres Feeding animals
19 Initial assessment and health checking
19 Initial assessment and health checking
What is barrier nursing?
A set of infection control techniques to protect animal handlers from contracting zoonotic diseases and also to protect wildlife patients with highly infectious diseases from spreading their pathogens to other non- infected animals.
Examples of barrier nursing
Using disposable PPE – gloves, apron- overalls- shoe covers
Having infectious animals in separate quarantined areas
Foot dips, disinfectant
Clinical waste bags
Hygiene principle
Questions
Give two reasons why isolation may be used in wildlife rehabilitation centres
The animal is positive for a highly contagious disease that the spread of needs to be prevented.
They are orphaned and need to kept separate from people. To be prevent imprinting
Give one example of a parasite or disease an animal can carry that would mean you need to use barrier nursing
Avian flue
Ring worm
E- Cuniculi
Blue tong
Myxomatosis
Lyme disease
Mange
Foot and mouth
Give an example of barrier nursing you could implement in this case.
Using disposable PPE – gloves, apron- overalls- shoe covers- face masks
Foot dips, disinfectant
Clinical waste bags
Hygiene principle
Isolation – individuals’ animals
Quarantine – entire centre
Definitions
Initial assessment
An initial assessment of any animal by first observing it in its home, cage, or pen without disturbing it.
The first observation of an animal when entering a new environment whiles it is in its home, cage, or pen. Observation includes behaviour and physical health.
A structured physical examination allows the vet/ nurse to obtain a complete assessment of the casualty, observation and inspection of the injury or condition are used to gather information, clinical judgement should be used to decide on the extent of assessment required.
Triage
The process if organising patients according to the severity of their condition and getting each patient treatment within an appropriate time frame.
The assignment of degrees of urgency to wounds or illnesses to decide the order of treatment of a large number of casualties.
An initial assessment is similar to a health check, during a health check you begin at the head and work your way down the body why is this done.
To prevent cross contamination of different areas of the body
So, every area is checked and not forgotten
What are you looking for during an initial assessment
Physical signs- Injuries- wounds- body condition (weight and feathers, fur), vomiting and heavy breathing.
Disease
Parasites
Behaviour – could be indication of ill health or injury
Temperature
Pulse
Respiration
Observation
Breathing
Ability to stand
How are wings held
Head carriage
Appearance of eyes
Ability to fly
Plumage/pelage condition
Parasites
Bleeding and wounds
Open fractures
Responsiveness and behaviour
Take note of droppings
Presence of parasites
Starvation / Dehydration (green faeces)
Disease (diarrhoea)
Poisoning (may produce characteristic faeces)
Demeaner
Outward behaviour
Bright, alert, responsive (BAR)
Quiet, subdued, weak
Ruffled feathers
Dull, lethargic
Unresponsive
Collapsed
Stages of progressive deterioration
Fear and avoidance
Fear and aggression
General malaise
Collapse
Moribund
In extremis
Body weight
Enables progression to be monitored
Weigh at the same time each day for comparison
May help estimate age and gender
Important for drug doses and fluid volumes
Consider time of year
Body condition
Combine with body weight for assessment, indicates:
Severity of problem
Duration of problem
Prognosis
Diagnosis (e.g. recently catted bird may be thin, suffering from another condition that led to capture)
If animal is thin:
Dehydrated – requires fluids
Hypothermic – reduced insulating fat layer, needs warmth
Starvation – digestive tract may not be used to food, stabilise animal first
Observation
Muscle and fat deposition varies according to lifestyle
Females can lose condition after giving birth
Loss of condition over winter
Improvement of condition before hibernation and migration
Feathers and fur can mask true body condition
Tasks
How would you asses this animal
Describe the step-by-step prosses
Indicate what you are looking for and where you expect to find it
Scenarios – a fox has been found in a collapsed state at the roadside.
When any animal has been brought into captivity the first thing needed to do is observe the animal this includes.
Observing behaviour, the breathing rate could be an indicator of raspatory distress, hypothermia, or hyperthermia dependent on the temperature,
their ability to stand and current position their ability to stand or reluctance to stand could be an indication of an injury caused by a traffic collision, indicate whether their energy levels are high or low witch could show weather or not they have eaten.
The way they carry their head can be an indicator of a head/ brain injury
Appearance of there eyes
Signs of parasites
Bleeding and wounds
Open fractures
Responsiveness and behaviour.
Faeces and urine around them and the size and colour
Behaviour they should be Bright, alert, responsive
Are they getting worse some of these symptoms include
Fear and avoidance, Fear and aggression, General malaise, Collapse, Moribund, In extremis
Body condition includes injury’s, open wounds, weight, muscle.
The next thing would be recording all findings and beginning the health checks
Ears, eyes, nose, mouth, head itself, body and body condition, legs and paws, tail, should be alert, bright, and able to move fully without discomfort. All skin should be covered no bald patches, and no discharge, no physical injury or open wounds.
Synoptic 3 lesson 20 assessment and treatment of wildlife casualties and lesson 21 wildlife rehabilitation an overview Handling and restraint Crush cage Catch pole Gauntlets/ gloves Muzzle Bird net Snake hook Swan hooks Swan bags Towel Equipment Description Picture Crush cage Catch pole Gauntlets/ gloves Muzzle Towel Snake hook Swan hook Swan bags Bird net
How could these pieces of equipment be used
Towel
wrapped around face/ cage to reduce stress in transport
wrapping towel around body to prevent movement.
Used as bedding in transport cage
Soft brittle brush
Pin animal in confined space
Bandage
used as a muzzle around the mouth/ beak
used to cover eyes to reduce stress
chemical restraint
sedating an animal
used on more dangerous animals
dose relays on weight of animal
only vets can sedate
Species Risks to handler Equipment used
Common buzzards Bites – sharp beak
Scratches – sharp talons
Hit in the face with wing – large and strong wings
Zoonotic diseases – bird flu, salmonella
Gauntlet/ strong glove
Anklets, eyelets, swivel, and leash all attached to the bird and then glove to restrain, bird net, towel wrapped around wings, hood to cover eyes,
Badger Bites, kicks, scratches, zoonotic diseases Crush cage, towel, catch pole, gloves, anaesthetics,
Mute swan Bites, kicks, scratches, wing to face, zoonotic disease Swan hooks, Swan bags, towel, gloves
Triage The process of making the decisions for the next steps of treatment following initial assessment What are the next steps Euthanasia Veterinary assessment and treatment - More in-depth assessment, test, scans, surgery Fluid therapy, diet, weight, provide food and water Heat therapy Oxygen therapy – respiratory distress Release in wild Release in captive enclosure while treating Treatment Further veterinary assessment General health status Blood test, urinary test Shock Restore circulating blood volume Administer fluids Oxygen therapy Steroids Dark and quite environment Heat therapy Fluid therapy Warm the fluid first Oral therapy through tube, bowl, dropper injections intravenous injection wounds apply pressure to any bleeding wound keep wound clean using antiseptic wipes or sprays provision of warmth fluids should be warm provide shelter and a temperature gradient avoid heating too quickly heat pad heat lamp hot water bottle warm room temperature case studies what equipment would be used what are the hazards and how to minimise the risks how to handle and restrain animal
21 wildlife rehabilitation an overview
21 wildlife rehabilitation an overview
case study 1
Inspector Anthony Joynes was called out to a red fox caught in fencing at the roadside in West Kirby, Wirral.
The fox was distressed and showing extreme agitation. It was caught by one of its hind legs and was reported to have been there for at least three hours.
What equipment would be used
• Towel
• Catch pole
• Cage
• Anastatic – low dose to keep animal calm
• Muzzle
• Wire cutters
• PPE – bite proof glove
what are the hazards and how to minimise the risks
• bites, kicks, scratches – PPE, restraint techniques
• slips, trips, falls – suitable footwear, awareness for surroundings
• cuts and injuries from wires and brambles – PPE, awareness for surroundings
• zoonotic disease – PPE
• traffic from the road - PPE, restraint techniques, awareness for surroundings
how to handle and restrain animal
• work with someone / extra set of hands
• quick restraint – limit chance of injury – limit stress to animal
• free the animal from fence
• support animals’ body
• transfer the carry close to the fox and put animal in cage
case study 2
Inspector Herchy Boal had received a call about a mute swan that was sat on the tow path of a canal in Erdington, Birmingham.
The swan was reported to have been in that area for a couple of days and didn’t appear to be feeding. It was lethargic but would hiss when approached. A mate and cygnets were present also, but this swan was noticeably quieter.
What equipment would be used
• Swan hook
• Swan bags
• Cage
• Gauntlets/ gloves
• Life jacket
• Towel
what are the hazards and how to minimise the risks
• bites, kicks, scratches – PPE, correct restraint, awareness of surrounding animals
• slips, trips, and falls, suitable footwear, awareness of surroundings
• zoonotic disease – PPE,
• attacks from it swans mate – awareness of surroundings and other animals’ location, PPE
• falling into water – suitable footwear, awareness of surroundings and other animals’ location, PPE
• hit with wing- correct restraint
how to handle and restrain animal
• approach carefully
• use swan hook to keep the swan in place
• use the swan bag to restrain wings
• and put swan into a large cage using gloves to prevent injury
case study 3
A young male roe deer got his antlers caught in netting at a golf club in Telford, Shropshire. Inspector Nayman Dunderdale attended the incident and was faced with a very distressed animal that was jumping and thrashing around trying to free itself.
The deer was not a full adult but was the size of a large goat
What equipment would be used
• Large cage
• Gauntlets/ gloves
• Muzzle
• Towel
• Something to cut net
what are the hazards and how to minimise the risks
• bites, kicks, scratches – PPE, correct restraint, awareness of surrounding animals
• slips, trips, and falls, suitable footwear, awareness of surroundings
• zoonotic disease – PPE,
• server injuries caused by antlers – PPE, correct restraint.
how to handle and restrain animal
• approach from the side, cover eyes
• have people either side restraining deer
• untangle/ cut off netting
• put into large cage
Rehabilitation Plans
• Rehabilitation is a complex process and needs to be adapted to each species you deal with
• The best way to approach it is by using a step-by-step protocol that details treatment, general husbandry, assessment, and preparation for release
• We are going to start looking at this in more detail in this BBC documentary called ‘Born to be Wild
documentary
Answer these questions:
What possible admission reasons are there for this species?
Orphaned, rode traffic collisions, disease
What examples of barrier nursing did you see?
The young are kept separate from other animals and taken home to care for
Different species kept in different areas of the centre
Describe the accommodation that the red squirrels were housed in? Can you justify the design (why are they housed like this)?
Young – small, knitted basket with towels and blankets inside of a travel cage
Bigger cage with blankets attached to allow them to clear to climb
Graduate to outdoor aviary’s
What were they fed (this may differ with life stage)?
Milk every hour (young) small amount of nuts
How did they prepare them for release?
Graduate them to outdoor aviary’s
Fully outdoor enclosure
Released
22 Wildlife Rehabilitation Protocols
22 Wildlife Rehabilitation Protocols
Red Squirrel Recap
What examples of barrier nursing did you see?
PPE (gloves)
Isolation/Quarantine
Hygiene/Cleaning
What were they fed (this may differ with life stage)?
Lectade on admission to rehydrate
Milk for rearing
Solid food once weaned (hazelnuts, fruit)
Describe the accommodation that the red squirrels were housed in? Can you justify the design (why are they housed like this)? Accommodation is really important to the care of wildlife casualties and we will look at this in more detail today
Initially housed in small carrier to keep warm and enclosed, mimics squirrel drey (nest)
Next stage is indoor cage which gives room to climb and move around to build strength and skills
Final stage would be outdoor enclosure to acclimatise to the conditions and have more room to develop and be assessed for release
How did they prepare them for release?
Ensuring that the squirrels demonstrated the skills and behaviours that they would need to survive in the wild
Wildlife Rehabilitation Protocols
A protocol or plan is essential so that you know how to have the best chance of rehabilitating the wildlife casualty in your care
Key components are:
Admission and record taking
Initial Assessment and Triage
Treatment
General Husbandry (feeding, water, disease prevention and hygiene, enrichment and behaviour)
Assessment and preparation for release
Throughout the process consideration must be given to legislation and the welfare of the animal
History Taking
Standard routine for all admissions to ensure that:
All relevant information is collected
Nothing is missed
The casualty has the optimum chance of receiving the correct attention
Records are kept for each animal and each casualty is given a unique number for id and reference. All findings are recorded, irrespective of how unimportant they may seem at the time.
Information to record on admission
When and whare the animal was found
Weather conditions and time of year
Predicted age of the animal
Gender of the animal
Social needs
Species name
Weight
Dietary needs
Reason for admission / injury/ disease
Housing requirements
Previous care
Details of finder
History
Record relevant information from finder
Circumstances and location of where the animal was found
Species related considerations
Seasonal weather conditions and time of year
History Taking
Species
Why is it important to know what species you have?
Diet, feeding regime, housing, etc.
Territory and social considerations for release
Legal considerations
Is it solitary or gregarious?
Species
Timing of release
Prognosis assessment – some species cope better in captivity than others
Are suitable facilities available
Wildlife Housing and Accommodation
“A rehabilitation unit is defined as any premises, regardless of size, that is prepared to accept wildlife casualties”
British Wildlife Rehabilitation Council
Aims of Accommodation
To reduce the risk of stress
To reduce the risk of further injury to the animal,
Enables necessary care and husbandry to be carried out
Minimal risk to the care-taker.
Give one example of how the accommodation could be designed to meet each of these requirements
Types of housing
Incubators
Skippers/cages
Cubicles
Considerations
May be intensive care
Which substrate?
Ease of cleaning?
Layout (food, perches, etc.)
Quarantine / Barrier Nursing
Heating, lighting and ventilation
Seclusion
Safety, prevent injury to casualty
Incubators
Newspapers, towels, shredded paper
Provision of warmth – allow a gradient if required
Reduced light
Restricted ventilation
Restricted food and water?
Skippers/Cages
Newspapers, towels
Bedding or perch?
Heat pad
Restricted light or seclusion
Food and water within reach for freshening
Cubicles
For larger animals
Bedding may be newspaper, towels or shavings
Heat lamp
Ventilation
Medium-term Acommodation
Designed for the short-term care of individual animals or groups of animals, particularly during treatment and rehabilitation.
hygiene
easy cleaning
specific needs of the patients
behavioural needs
Substrate
Solid floors should ideally be impervious to organic substances
Adequate slope and drainage to remove urine and wash-down water.
Secure and comfortable
Non-slip flooring
Non-abrasive and easily cleaned/replaced.
Burrowing/digging
Seclusion.
Ventilation
Adequate, controllable but draught-free.
Diseases can be transmitted through air-borne spread of agents (viruses, bacteria, fungi etc.).
For prey species the scent of predators can be highly stressful: air should not be coming from predator species (e.g. cats).
Lighting
Natural light regime.
Ability to reduce the lighting within a room and / or of individual cages as many species are calmer in dim or dark conditions.
Water Supply
Appropriate for the species concerned!
position of the container
Size
Construction
Where there is a risk of drowning or the animal being trapped in the water bowl, stones and/ or ramps should be provided within water bowls (even for species such as waterfowl).
Handling
The area should be small enough to allow catching without chasing when the occupant requires frequent handling for assisted feeding, medication etc. (unless there are specific catch-up facilities available).
Feeding tasks
Once an animal has been assessed and housed, you will need to start the feeding regime. This must be appropriate for the species and its life stage
Research Task – you are allocated a species. It comes to your centre as a juvenile and will need hand-rearing initially. What do you feed it, when and how often? How does this change as the animal grows?
Blackbird
Feed juvenal blackbirds blended fruit, seeds, and insects every couple of hours for the first week provide fruit seeds and insects around the enclosure after that.
The blackbird is an omnivore, eating both plant and animal matter. Its typical diet includes:
• Insects like caterpillars and beetles
• Earthworms
• Spiders
• Snails
• Berries
• Fruit
• Seeds
• The female incubates alone, and the chicks hatch 13-14 days later. Only the female broods the chicks, but both parents feed them. Chicks in gardens are fed on earthworms when they are available; woodland chicks are fed mainly on caterpillars.
• The chicks are ready to fledge at 13-14 days,
Juvenile tawny owl
Feed small mice four/ five times a day.
Juvenile red fox
Puppy milk every 3 to 4 hours / dead chicks and dog food once or twice a night
23 Wildlife Rehabilitation Protocols research tasks
23 Wildlife Rehabilitation Protocols research tasks
Research Task
• Wildlife Rehabilitation Plans are detailed and specific
• We have looked at essential components
• You are now going to research a species and provide an overview of a care plan
• You can record this how you choose:
• Either, follow this link to a MS Forms and complete the boxes https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=1effm0OigEKoI2PW2mm-HLMVCrsh725KuVPjRf8UA6dUMVhJQ1oyTDJaVjI4M05UOUZEMjE2VU9HMy4u
• Or, download the document from the Team post and complete it as a Word document
• Or, download the document but use the headlines to create your own version
• Or, use the paper copy provided
Finding the Resource
• Practical Wildlife Care by Les Stocker is an excellent book to learn about wildlife rehabilitation
• You can access an online version of this through the library
• Follow the guidance in the following slides as this will help you access it
• There are some books available in class too
Rehabilitation Protocols:
Any wildlife rehabilitation centre will have some form of protocols to enable them to appropriately manage a wildlife casualty based on which species it is. These protocols may be basic or very detailed, generic or very specific. However, it is essential for the consistency of care within a rehabilitation centre, that all staff adhere to the protocols.
Protocols are not fixed; they are dynamic and should be updated regularly as new techniques are developed and wider knowledge is gained. Information collated here only covers part of the process and does not include preparation for release and the release process itself
Chosen Species (including scientific name) The red fox (Vulpes vulpes)
Possible Admission Reasons - be specific considering human impact on the species)
Gunshot wounds – from a farmer or hunter for going onto land with livestock
Orphaned – kits orphaned for having an illness, lack of hunting opportunity, breeding opportunity, parents’ death.
Being the victim of a fox hunt – having been the victim of a fox hunt and being saved by a member of the public
Road traffic collision – being hit by a vehicle
Caught in wire or fencing – being caught up in wire or fencing at the edge of a property line.
Disease – contracting a disease or parasite and needing veterinary treatment.
Health & Safety – what are the potential hazards to the handler in dealing with this species and how can the risks be minimised?
Bites – restraining the mouth with a muzzle, towel – restraint techniques, wearing the correct PPE, wearing bite and scratch proof gloves.
Scratches- restraining the body, restraint techniques, waring the correct PPE, wearing bite and scratch proof gloves.
Kicks – restraining the body – restraint techniques, waring the correct PPE to minimise the effect
slips, trips, falls – suitable footwear, awareness for surroundings
zoonotic disease – PPE, biosecurity measures and hygiene
Handling and Restraint – detail specific techniques for restraining the species (state the name of any equipment)
Crush cage – having the crush cage near the fox to quickly move the animal into it.
Catch pole – holding the animal’s neck into place to prevent it from moving
Gauntlets/ gloves – protecting yourself from being bitten or scratched
Muzzle – prevent the fox from biting you
Towel – restrain the animal (cover eyes to prevent stress)
Admission Details – state information that would be recorded on admission at the rehabilitation centre with reasons for the importance
When and where the animal was found
Weather conditions and time of year
Predicted age of the animal
Gender of the animal
Social needs
Species name
Weight
Dietary needs
Reason for admission / injury/ disease
Housing requirements
Previous care
Details of finder
History
Triage – what would you be looking for on admission? Describe any first aid that could be carried out
The process of making the decisions for the next steps of treatment following initial assessment
What are the next steps
Euthanasia
Veterinary assessment and treatment - More in-depth assessment, test, scans, surgery
Fluid therapy, diet, weight, provide food and water
Heat therapy
Oxygen therapy – respiratory distress
Release in wild
Release in captive enclosure while treating
Housing – describe the kind of accommodation you would use. Remember this may be different depending upon the age and condition of you animal. Include whether your chosen species is housed alone or with other (again may be dependent upon age)
Kits – housed in a small carry cage that’s accessible and safe with lots of blankets to keep them warm. They may be paired with other kits to mimic a family group.
Adult – a small cubical enclosure that’s accessible and has a small amount of substrate in and a dark place to hide and sleep in that mimics a den
- A larger outdoor enclosure with mostly bark substrate and a dark place to hide and sleep in that mimics a den, the substrate would be quite thick to allow them to mimic natural behaviour of digging – there food may also be hidden to encourage it to hunt for food.
- A much larger outdoor enclosure with natural substrate, enrichment to encourage them to behave naturally, there food would be hidden to encourage hunting
Diet – details of what, when and how much
Kits would be provided puppy or kitten milk formular often mixed with animal blood as they get older, they would be given this every couple of hours.
Adult would be given dead chicks or mice once or twice a day as they get closer to release, they would have their food hidden to encourage hunting.
Issues in Captivity – describe both behavioural and physical conditions that can arise from being in captivity
Contracting a disease through cross contamination of staff and other animals on the centre
The loss of natural instincts Become too used to humans that they are not suitable to live in the wild
Abnormal behaviours caused by stress causing injury’s – pacing causing injury to paw pads
24 wildlife rehabilitation assessment and release
24 wildlife rehabilitation assessment and release What is wildlife rehabilitation The managed process whereby a displaced, sick, injured or orphaned wild animal regains the heath and skills it requires to function normally and live self-sufficiently in the wild. When is an animal fit to be released what does, it need to survive in the wild • Locate food resource and catch/ kill prey • Avoid predators • Compete with their own and other species • Defend and maintain feeding and breeding territories • Withstand fluctuating climatic conditions or undertake migration • Exhibit natural behaviour Legal and ethical implications • Casualty is physically and mentally prepared for release • Properly assessed • Suitable release site • Veterinary advice Physical therapy After initial assessment and treatment, animals need physiotherapy as part of rehabilitation • Important so the injury doesn’t recur • To ensure they are fit to catch prey/ escape Suitable housing can help prepare animals for release • Exercise • Flight • Perches • Burying • Material • Escape proof • Retreat area • Observation facilities for staff • Appropriate stocking level Suitable housing – barn owl Consider barn owl How could you design the accommodation to meet the behavioural needs How would this prepare it for release Barn owl enclosure Size wingspan x 3 minimum size (80-95 cm x 3 = 240 – 285 cm) around 6 ft in hight for flying and keeper comfort Materials metal mesh pros strong, Durable long lasting pest proof easy to clean cons unnatural more expensive, more likely to cause injury to the bird cere, talon and feather damage, can be toxic Concrete Pros Easy to clean Easy to move on Doesn’t absorb moisture Cons • Unnatural • Non-stimulating • Unsightly for public • Costly
wood – Pros • Cost effective • Naturalistic • Aesthetically pleasing • Easy to maintain Cons • Weathers easily • Rots • Brakes • Rotting wood can lead to fungal growth causing aspergillosis • Needs replacing more frequently • Difficult to clean
Substrate Gravel Pros • Good for drainage • Easy to clean • Durable • Long lasting • Difficult to deep clean Cons • Could cause impaction if consumed • Costly • Requires drainage layer - Dusty in summer
Furnishings
• Water bath
• Variety of perches – swing, branch, Astroturf, platform
• Shelter
• Leaves – natural vegetation – similar to natural environment
• Scatter feeding insects – hiding main food on ground (dead chicks/ mice)
Assessment of condition
• Muscle atrophy – muscle wastage
• Body weight
• Sex
• Age
• Time of year
• Muscle – fat ratio
• Stamina and manoeuvrability – ability to move and energy levels
• Natural behaviour
Natural behaviour
• Movement
• Posture
• Feeding behaviour
• Mental fitness
• Parasites
• Infectious organisms
• Nocturnal/ diurnal
Natural behaviours of a hedgehog
• Eating – fragging
• Sleeping during the day
• Crawling into a ball when threatened – curling when threatened
• Solitary
• Being territorial – hissing
• Active at night – nocturnal behaviour
• Nesting behaviour
• Fearful of humans
Unsuitability for release
• Congenital defects – born defects
• Sexually imprinted animals – imprinted on humans – no fear – try and mate humans
• Amputees
• Restricted motility
• Integument condition
• Ongoing treatment
• Loss of senses
• Females with pelvic fractures – breeding attempts cause further pain, injury, suffering and disease – can’t produce offspring
Human associated contact
• Most imprinting takes place between birth and maturity
• Filial imprinting – bonds with parent
- Early learning
- survival skills develop
• Wildlife imprinting is irreversible and illegal if intentional
Natural learning development stage
• Imprinting sexually on parent image (species identity) rainforest on first breeding
• Imprinting on species- this is followed by a fear response to other species
• Identifying the nursery area nest type and site
• Recognising habitats
• Recognizing food species (developing search images)
Avoiding imprinting
• Minimal human contact
• Juveniles returned to parents where possible
• Same species fostering
• Puppet gloves species
• Compatible partners from other centre (produce sibling groups)
Indicators of imprinting
• Prolonged infantile behaviour
• Pair bonding with the handler
• Mating behaviour towards humans
• Aggression – territorial or sexual frustration
• Attempting to feed handler or another person
Scenario
A peregrine falcon is found grounded in a filed and is unable to fly off when approached on assessment at the rehabilitation centre it is found to have a fractured ulna it is not a simple fracture but should heal well with the use of an external fixator, but the injury may take at least six weeks to heal
Let’s assume the injury can be fixed but what considerations are there for preparing the animal for release think about the stages we have discussed.
Large outdoor enclosure where the animal can regain natural behaviours.
Size - wingspan x 3 minimum size (74- 120 222- 360 cm x 3 =) around 6 ft in hight for flying and keeper comfort
Materials - metal mesh
pros - strong, - Durable - long lasting - pest proof - easy to clean
cons - unnatural - more expensive, - more likely to cause injury to the bird cere, talon and feather damage, can be toxic
Concrete
Pros - Easy to clean - Easy to move on - Doesn’t absorb moisture
Cons - Unnatural - Non-stimulating - Unsightly for public - Costly
wood –
Pros - Cost effective - Naturalistic - Aesthetically pleasing - Easy to maintain
Cons - Weathers easily - Rots - Brakes - Rotting wood can lead to fungal growth causing aspergillosis - Needs replacing more frequently - Difficult to clean
Substrate - Gravel
Pros - Good for drainage - Easy to clean - Durable - Long lasting - Difficult to deep clean
Cons - Could cause impaction if consumed - Costly - Requires drainage layer - Dusty in summer
Furnishings - Water bath - Variety of perches – swing, branch, Astroturf, platform - Shelter - Leaves – natural vegetation – similar to natural environment - Scatter feeding insects – hiding main food on ground (dead chicks/ mice)
Frequent flying may be done outside out the enclosure to allow the bird to regain muscle and the ability to fly the equipment used for this would include
FALCONRY GLOVE/GAUNTLET – ANKLETS – EYELETS - FLYING JESSE’S - MEWS JESSE’S – SWIVEL – LEASH - Hood – CREANCE - Swing lure – may also be used for feeding to encourage hunting - TELEMETRY
Scenario
A peregrine falcon is found grounded in a field and is unable to fly off when approached on assessment at the rehabilitation centre it is found to have a fractured ulna it is not a simple fracture but should heal well with the use of an external fixator, but the injury may take at least six weeks to heal
Let’s assume the injury can be fixed but what considerations are there for preparing the animal for release think about the stages we have discussed.
- Outdoor flying using falconry equipment
- Physiotherapy to prevent muscle loss and improve movement
- Large aviary to encourage flying – perches – food and water source –
25 wildlife release
25 wildlife release
Recap – release assessment
A tawny owl come into your care several weeks ago with an injured wing and poor body condition
How do you know when the bird is ready for release?
List the criteria that the bird would need to meet before it was released.
• Wing is fixed and can fly
• Body condition and weight has improved
• The bird is exhibiting normal/ natural behaviours
- Pruning
- Perching
- Searching for food
- Flying
- Bathing
- Active at night and not during the day
• Hunting test would need to be done with a CREANCE and Swing lure
• The bird’s physical, mental and emotionally wellbeing/ health has improved
• The bird has not imprinted or lost its fear of humans
Completed vet treatment
Healthy body condition and suitable weight for age, gender and time or year
Strong flight and manoeuvring
Nocturnal behaviour
Fearful of humans
Roosting during the day
Good feather condition
Feeding for itself
Planning for release
Once the wildlife casualty meets the release criteria you should arrange release
There are a number of considerations when releasing an animals.
Dose the animal get released where it came from or be relocated
Is the animal territorial, group, solitary
Is the area safe to be returned to
Is there food and water sources in the area for the animal to live self sufficiently
Dose the animal need to be let go or given support food
Juveniles are given a soft release – support food
Release methods
Soft release – release with support feeding and possibly a temporary enclosure at the release site
Hard release – animal is released straight into the environment without any follow up support
Dependent on
Species – some are better with supported release
Injury/ aliment – long term casualties may need time to adjust to being back in the wild.
Age – juveniles may need support feeding if they are inexperienced in surviving in the wild
Time in captivity – long term casualties may have adjusted to captivity and need supported release
Location for release – a relocated animal may need time to adjust to its surroundings
Experience of rehabilitator – some species have specific released needs and need a more elaborate release process
Timing
Short term casualties – asap
Near as possible to where found – familiarity
Time of day – nocturnal/ diurnal
No formal release programs
Medium – long term casualties
Summer months when juveniles are dispersing
Food – abundant
Territories less intense
Examples Soft or hard release
Fox cub admitted in March requiring hand – rearing
The fox would have a soft release
Never had to live alone and provide for itself
May be overwhelming and result in re admission otherwise
• Soft release in august
• Time when juveniles’ foxes would be dispersing
• Plenty of natural food around
• Reduced territory in species reduced competition
• Release enclosure to acclimatise to environment
• Support feed until foxes become independent
Adult mute swan with a minor injury to leg caused by a fishing hook
The swan would have a hard release
The swan already knows how to provide for itself
The injury is minor, and does not need checking
• Hard release back into location of finding
• Release may be immediate if injuries are minor and long- lasting antibiotics can be administered,
• Even a duration of a week or two in care would not change decision for hard release
Adult kestrel admitted in April with an injured right wing and extensive feather loss on wing
The kestrel will be given a soft release
The injury may need to be checked
The environment may be overwhelming and need extra support
• Soft release following moult of feathers in the summer
• Time spent wating for feathers to grow will result in long term stay
• Ideally release back to location of finding later in summer dispersal tine so should not have lost its territory
• May need to release enclosure with support food when reacclimatising to its surroundings
• Unlikely to need further support food once released as used to finding food in the wild
Habitat assessment
If relocation of the wildlife casualty is required than you will have to look at a new release site
What should you consider when selecting a release site
Think about what wild animals gets from its environment
• Adequate shelter
• Food and water source
• Time of year – migration – hibernation
• Solitary, group, territorial
• Competition
Food resource – prey or forging behaviour
Predators/ conflicting species
Resident same species without too much competition
Secure for rehabilitation procedure is soft release enclosure is to be used
No public interference that could be destructive or harmful
Free from chemicals/ poisons
2km away from major roads
If support feeding is required is there a landowner who can support
Permission from landowner
Soft release
Gradual introduction to the wild
Food is made available until independence is made
Periods of natural dispersal – summer
Natural foods used
What would they eat
How are they be obtained
Hard release
Short term casualties
Simply release post treatment
As close as possible to capture site
26 wildlife ethics and legislation
26 wildlife ethics and legislation
Wildlife rehabilitation
The managed process whereby a displaced sick, injured, or orphaned wild animal regains the health and skills it requires to function normally and live self-sufficiently in the wild
In-situ conservation
Onsite conservation
Ex-situ conservation
Off site conservation
• International wildlife council (2005)
• Wildlife conservation is an ex-situ conservation method however elements mag be considered in- situ such as soft release.
How do humans’ impact on wildlife species
• Traffic collisions – vehicles
• Trapped in litter – pollution
• Caught in traps, wire, fencing, power lines, windows – urbanisation
• Starvation, displacement, habitat loss – urbanisation
• Fishing litter – injury’s, litter
• Pollution – litter, chemical, oil
• Hunting, poaching shooting
• Disease
• Competition – non-native animals
Road traffic accidents – red deer
Litter – hedgehogs – gulls,
Legal traps – foxes, badger
Displacement – Scottish wild cat
Fishing litter – swans
Pollution (oil spills) – guillemot
Hunting – pheasants, foxes
Collisions – wood pigeon
Disease – everything – rabbits
Unfair advantages
Overfeeding
over fed before release
Allows time to fully reintegrate into the wild and have a better chance of survival
Competitors don’t have the same opportunities may not have the chance of a mate because they are feeding
• Better fed than ones in wild
• Variant of soft release
• More able to adjust to food shortages
• Better body condition
• May need time to adjust
• Will become stabilised
Vaccinations
Preventative treatment
Vaccinated will survive disease unvaccinated will not playing on natural selection (unnatural selection)
Helps population numbers grow and become more steady
• Prevents spread of disease
• Gives advantage
• Prevents spread of zoonotic diseases
• Temporary or permanent protection against certain diseases others don’t have
Feeding after release
Giving food once realised
Animals aren’t fully integrated into the wild may become dependent on humans and may not live the most natural life
Competitors may starve because they don’t have the same food opportunities
• Have access to food others don’t
• Wild animals have to work harder
• May not be able to survive without support feed
• May need transmission period
Taking animals into captivity
Prevents them from dying
Increases survival chance
Creates a captive population as insurance
Are provided things wild animals may not get
Become reliant of humans
Mates they are paired with may be left alone in the wild
• Unnatural
• Correcting problems humans caused
• Responsibility to save them
• Prevent extinction
• Let nature take its course
• Many are admitted because of human impact
Ethicises
Opinions differ wildly about what is and is not justifiable level of intervention in the fate of individuals and thus population dynamics of there species
Keeping animal in captivity
Can it be used for Captive breeding?
Will it have a positive or negative effect on overall population?
Wil it be useful for Education?
Can it live a long and normal life?
What is the population numbers?
Can its needs be met in captivity?
What effect dose it has on the centre itself (money, space, staff)
For permanent captivity
Animals don’t have to be euthanised
Provide all food that its required
Any ongoing treatment needs can be met
Could provide educational resource to the public
Against permanent captivity
Can you provide quality of life
Are needs be fully met
It can cause stress
Cost to the rehabilitator for feeding
Takes time and space that could be used for other animals that stand a Chance of release
27 legislation
27 legislation
Wildlife legislation
Wildlife and countryside act 1981
This act is designed to protect all wild birds occurring naturally in Britain with some exceptions and some other wild animals e.g., bats, red squirrels, otters.
Game bird gulls and pest species are exempts from some aspects of the act
Its illegal to kill, Injury, take or attempt to take any wild animals covered by the act, take, damage, or destroy the nest of a wild bird, take or destroy the eggs of a wild bird.
It is however permitted to take an injured wild animals to treat its injuries and release as soon as possible.
Schedule 4 birds (e.g., Peregrine, Merlin, Marsh Harrier) are given extra protection and injured individuals may only be kept by:
RSPCA Inspectorate for 2 weeks for rehabilitation as long as DEFRA are notified
Veterinary surgeons for 6 weeks under treatment
If after this time the bird is still not ready for release, it must be registered with DEFRA.
It is illegal to possess, transfer or sell wild birds, dead birds, their plumage or eggs.
It is illegal to deliberately kill or injure a wild bird, except where the bird is so injured that it has no reasonable chance of full recovery, when it is allowed to humanely kill the animal.
Birds in captivity must be kept in a cage which allows them to stretch both wings freely, except when:
• Being transported
• They are under veterinary treatment
• It is an offence to release or allow to escape into the wild any non-indigenous species, or any species listed on Schedule 9
Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966
Only a veterinary surgeon can
• Diagnose disease and injury in animals
• Give advice based upon such diagnosis
• Treat animals medically or surgically
Basic first aid may be given by anyone in an emergency to save life or relieve pain, whilst awaiting professional veterinary advice
Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996
Provides protection for wild mammals against a wide variety of acts of deliberate harm. In order for an offence to be committed under this act it is necessary that the act be committed “with intent to inflict unnecessary suffering”.
Exemptions are made for mercy killing of seriously disabled wild mammals.
Protection of Badgers Act 1992
It is an offence for any person to sell or offer for sale or possess or control a live badger. Under this legislation, as under the Badgers Act 1973 (a piece of legislation which this Act has superseded), it is a specific offence to “cruelly ill-treat” a badger.
Keeping a badger in a too small or otherwise inappropriate cage could be an offence under this legislation
Badger sets are protected under the Act
Deer Act (England and Wales) 1991
This Act provides protection for deer and sets out (Schedule 1) close seasons for Red, Fallow, Roe and Sika deer.
Provision is made (Section 6) for the taking or killing of deer in order to prevent suffering and allows the use of a net or trap for this purpose.
The Act specifies minimum calibre of 0.24 inches and sufficient muzzle velocity to kill a healthy deer. However, the use of other firearms to kill sick/injured deer is permitted. The range of firearms which are permitted in this instance are set out in the Act.
Task Research aims and purpose of these pieces of legislation:
Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010
The Habitats Regulations seek to protect, among other things, European protected species. Such animals include (but are not limited to) bats, great crested newts, badgers, natterjack toads and otters.
Under the Habitats Regulations it is an offence to:
• deliberately capture, injure or kill any wild animal of a European protected species;
• deliberately disturb wild animals of any such species;
• deliberately take or destroy the eggs of such an animal; or to
• damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place of such an animal
Conservation of Seals Act 1970
How does the law protect seals?
Seals are a protected animal under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970 (CoSA 1970). The Act does not prohibit the killing of seals, but it does regulate the way in which they are killed.
Prohibited methods of killing seals
• It is a criminal offence under CoSA 1970 to use or attempt to use, for the purpose of killing or taking a seal:
• a poisonous substance.
• a firearm other than a rifle using ammunition having a muzzle energy of not less than 600 footpounds and a bullet weighing not less than 45 grains.
What defences are available?
• The following defences are available to a person charged with a criminal offence under CoSA 1970:
• where a person takes or attempts to take a seal which had been disabled otherwise than by that person’s act and the seal was taken or is to be taken solely for the purpose of tending it and releasing it when no longer disabled.
• where the killing or injuring of a seal was unavoidable as an incidental result of a lawful action.
• where the killing or attempted killing of a seal was done to prevent it from causing damage to a fishing net or tackle in the person’s possession or in the possession of a person at whose request the seal was killed or an attempt to kill the seal was carried out, provided the seal was in the vicinity of such net or tackle.
• where a person kills a seal which had been so seriously disabled otherwise than by that person’s act that there was no reasonable chance of it recovering.
• where a person has a licence to carry out the act.
Destructive Imported Animals Act 1932
An Act to make provision for prohibiting or controlling the importation into and the keeping within Great Britain of destructive non-indigenous animals, for exterminating any such animals which may be at large and for purposes connected with the matters aforesaid.
28 non- native species
28 non- native species
Non-native species – species are those that have established themselves outside of their natura range either past or present with the assistance of man either intentional or unintentional
- An animal that did not originally come from a place where it now lives and breeds successfully.
Why are non-native species here
Deliberate
Exotic species for collections that have since escaped or been released, mandarin duck, Canada goose, and many more
Economic (money) pheasants brought over as a game for shooting
Food – the romans first brought rabbits to Britain, but they were not established in the wild until the mid to late 12th century. Rabbits are such an established part of the ecosystem that they are now considered in the same way as native species
Accidental
Dutch elm disease is a fungus spread by barking- boring beetles that first come to the uk in imported timber
Black rats were transported all around the world on ships
Zebra mussels similarly have been transported around the world on the underside of ships.
What is the impact of invasive non-native species
• One of the main causes of global biodiversity loss
• Economic impacts – may be pest species or carry disease that effects the growth of agricultural crips e.g., Colorado beetle
• May outcompete native species e.g., ring neck parakeet or predate upon them
• Carry disease that effects native species e.g., grey squirrel carries pox virus that can kill the red squirrel
• Destroy native habitats e.g., Chinese water deer and muntjac can destroy native trees and shrubs
Legislation
Many pieces of legislation exist that are intended to control invasive species in the uk
The main one is found in section 14 of the wildlife countryside act 1981
Section 12 WCA prohibits the introduction into the wild of any animal of a kind which is not ordinarily resident in and is not a regular visitor to grate Britain in a wild state or any species of animal or plant listed in schedule 9
So, if an animal isn’t normally found in the wild in the uk it is illegal to release it or allow it to escape
This includes domestic animals such as domestic geese can outcome native waterfowl and ferrets can interbreed with polecats
