Wildlife Rehabilitation Flashcards
Define what is meant by the term “wildlife”?
all animals that are free ranging; that are not under human control
-includes feral animals
If a feral animal is captured, can it be rereleased?
NO. This is a legal obligation
What is the major aspect to consider when determining whether to rehabilitate wildife or not?
What anatomy/physiology is a necessity for survival?
eg. would not release owl w/ permanently damaged flight feathers as this would prevent it from hunting silently
noising hunting = scare away prey = starvation
What are the three possible results of wildlife rehabilitation?
- Re-release
- preferred if can be rehab’d to a high level of fitness - Live in captivity
- can lead to adverse welfare conditions POCTA
- ownership? the crown
- legal obligations
- breeding programs - Euthanasia
- most common outcome
- consistent w/ good welfare
- legal obligations (if animal is listed as endangered)
What are the three objectives of wildlife rehabilitation?
- WELFARE
- Conservation
- this may be of more importance than others, but must never compromise welfare. - Education -awareness
LIST the process when discovering injured wildlife?
- ASSESS animal
- Medical intervention
- Care
- Release/captivity
Process
what happens when we 1. assess the animal?
- *ASSESS animal**
- should be kept in quiet, dark place for hour or so
- concussion?
- vet examination
- decide what outcome is likely
Process
What happens during 2. medical intervention?
- *Medical intervention**
- nursing care
- most often shelter, fluid, nutrition
- possibly imaging
- possible surgical/medical intervention
Process
Describe 3. care
- *Care**
- what facilities are needed?
- food source? nutrient needs
- other needs? eg UV light for reptiles
- caring for wounds
Process
What factors do you need to consider for 4. release/captivity?
- *Release/captivity**
- time of year (migratory animals)
- time of day
- same place as capture
- hard or soft release
-habitat needs for captivity/facilities available
