Causes of Admission and Outcomes of Long-eared Owl (Asio Otus) in Wildlife Rescue Centres in Italy from 2010 to 2014

Abstract

Data obtained from wildlife rescue centres are a useful means of understanding threats posed to wild animal populations. Aims of the present study were to investigate the causes of admission and outcomes of Long-eared Owls ( Asio otus) hospitalised in rescue centres in Italy. Data were collected from 13 centres form January 2010 to October 2014 using a web form. The following variables were considered: estimated age at admission; date of admission; habitat at finding location; main cause of admission; and outcome. Major causes of admissions were related to human activities, mainly consisting of collision trauma and collection of uninjured fledglings. Despite nocturnal habits of owls and their protection status, according to European Union Directive 2009/147/ CE and to national Italian laws, gunshot wounds were also represented as an admission cause in adult animals. Overall mortality rate was 47.3%. Considering age classes, the majority of adult animals died while the majority of pulli survived and were later released. Both collisions and gunshot wounds contributed to the higher mortality in adult animals. We suggest that anatomopathological and toxicological investigation of dead casualties, along with post release monitoring of rehabilitated owls, would contribute to a better understanding of mortality causes and to the implementation of more successful rehabilitation techniques.