Abstract We report the discovery of a nest of Montagu’s harrier ( Circus pygargus ) in northwestern Italy containing three chicks: one normally coloured with white down and two dark morph individuals with grey down. The nest was discovered during wheat harvesting and, because it was left unprotected, the chicks were collected and transferred to a wildlife rehabilitation centre. During captivity, the two grey chicks developed an almost entirely black juvenile plumage. Dark morph individuals are relatively common in Spain but are very rare in other European countries. To our knowledge, dark-morph downy chicks of Montagu’s harrier have been very rarely described and illustrated.

The White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) is one of the most frequent patients at the Wildlife Rescue and Breeding Centre (WRBC) of Green Balkans NGO in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, with around 300 individuals admitted annually. This study analyses treatment outcomes for 158 White Storks admitted from 2010 to 2025 due to extreme weather events - storms, hailstorms, snowfalls with low temperatures and strong winds (61 cases) or wildfires causing burnt and collapsed nests (97 cases). Of these, 77 birds (49%) were successfully rehabilitated and released into the wild (only two remained permanently disabled and were transferred to other centres), while 81 cases (51%) were fatal. All birds arrived alive at the centre; those found dead on-site or during transport were excluded. Juveniles were the most vulnerable group: in fire-related cases (exclusively juveniles, as adults fled), survival was low at 32 out of 97 (33%), with peaks like 2025 (34 fatalities near Haskovo Province). Weather storm/hail/snow cases showed higher survival - 45 out of 61 (74%), peaking in 2018 (40 birds near Razgrad, 34 rehabilitated). Geographically, fires clustered in the Upper Thracian Plain (e.g. Stara Zagora, Plovdiv), linked to human factors and climate change (more frequent heatwaves and fires), while cold events prevailed in the Danubian Plain (e.g. Vidin, Ruse). These patterns reflect global warming: warmer winters prompt earlier migrant arrivals, exposing them to sudden spring frosts, while intensifying wildfires threaten flightless juveniles. Etiologically, this underscores needs for nest protection, enhanced rescue efforts and climate adaptation to conserve the species.

Characterization of the host-parasite relationship of Polymorphidae (Acanthocephala) in Nannopterum brasilianus (Aves, Phalacrocoracidae) in the Soure Marine Extraction Reserve, Pará.

Haemoproteus paraortalidum in wild Dusky-legged Guans Penelope obscura (Galliformes: Cracidae) admitted to a Brazilian rehabilitation center: Morphological insights into blood and tissue stages.

Human activities, including urban expansion, persecution, and energy and transportation infrastructure, contribute to global wildlife declines. Understanding wildlife mortality and morbidity is crucial for conservation, especially for bioindicator species such as raptors. However, causes of raptor mortality and morbidity remain poorly understood on a global scale. Analysing 147,422 wildlife rehabilitation centre (WRC) admissions from 38 sources containing admissions records from 1989 to 2023, we conducted a systematic quantitative review of raptor admission causes for 148 species globally. Raptor admissions increased over time, with owls (34.3%), falcons (23.7%), and buteo hawks (22%) being the most frequently admitted taxonomic groups. Most admissions were due to unknown causes (40.7%), followed by human-related (39.1%) and natural causes (20.2%). The leading human-related causes were unspecified trauma (18.5%), vehicle collisions (14.1%), and electrocution or gas flare incidents (7.4%). Factors including taxonomic group, body mass, feeding guild, threat status, country GDP per capita, and continent significantly predicted admission type (human vs. natural). Mortality probabilities were 60% for human-related admissions and 19% for natural causes. Wind turbine collisions and electrocution or gas flares resulted in the highest mortality rates (98% and 92%, respectively), while eagles and New World Vultures faced the highest overall mortality probabilities following admission (56% and 55%, respectively). Our findings emphasise the need for comprehensive conservation strategies that address human-induced threats, particularly as the global green energy transition advances. Mitigating risks associated with future infrastructure development, including onshore wind turbines, powerlines, and roadways, is crucial for raptor conservation in an anthropogenic world. • Raptors are indicators of ecosystem health and are vulnerable to human activities. • Wildlife rehabilitation centre (WRC) data can be used to monitor threats to raptors. • We systematically reviewed causes of raptor admissions to WRCs, globally. • Mortality rates were significantly higher for human causes than natural reasons. • Future renewable energy and road developments need to mitigate risks to raptors.

The life cycle of Leishmania infantum is maintained mainly in dogs in anthropogenic environments and in many other wild animals in the sylvatic cycle. The ecological plasticity of some wild canids facilitates their role as hosts for Leishmania spp. in different endemic regions. Although red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) frequently test positive for L. infantum in Europe, little is known about their clinical presentation, immune response, or treatment outcomes. This study investigated the prevalence, clinical, and immunological features of L. infantum infection in foxes from southern Italy, complemented by an in vitro evaluation of cytokine responses in fox macrophages. Wild foxes from a wildlife rehabilitation center in southern Italy were molecularly and serologically screened for L. infantum. One sick fox underwent a complete diagnostic confirmation, treatment, and follow-up through hematological, biochemical, cytological, and molecular evaluations. In addition, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from a healthy fox were differentiated into macrophages and experimentally infected with L. infantum to assess early host-parasite interactions and cytokine gene expression profiles at two time points (4h and 48h). Overall, 13 out of 54 foxes (24.1%) were molecularly positive for L. infantum, with a prevalence of 25% (5/20) in necropsied animals and 22% (9/41) in live animals. One individual tested seropositive for L. infantum and Ehrlichia sp. using the SNAP Leish 4Dx® test (2.4%, 1/41). The sick fox treated with meglumine antimoniate and allopurinol showed marked clinical and laboratory improvement. In the in vitro evaluation, the percentage of infected macrophages decreased from 32.8% at 4h (2.25 parasites/cell) to 21.5% at 48h (2 parasites/cell). Cytokine gene expression at 4h and 48h showed an increase in interleukin-6 (IL-6) (0.164-0.552) and IL-10 (0.828-4.245), stable IL-4 (0.505-0.708), a decrease in IL-12 (1.793-1.223) and IFN-γ (1.507-0.613), and consistently low TNF-α (0.377-0.411). The present study confirmed a high L. infantum prevalence of infection in red foxes from southern Italy. Serological findings herein and inthe literature, together with in vitro cytokine gene expression, suggested that most foxes may remain subclinically infected. The high molecular positivity and the synanthropic nature of red foxes reinforce their role as reservoirs of L. infantum in endemic areas.

The number of confiscated CITES-listed animals has increased dramatically worldwide, creating significant health, logistical, and resource challenges for responsible authorities. Rescue centers represent a scientific and humanitarian response to this challenge, providing solutions through rehabilitation, research, and environmental education. This postmortem survey provides information on disease and mortality during a four-year period, in confiscated CITES-listed birds and reptiles housed in an authorized rescue center. A total of 29 animals (17 birds and 12 reptiles) were examined by necropsy and histopathology. Infectious disease accounted for the mortality of 58.8% of birds and 49.8% of reptiles, with overrepresentation of bacterial disease in both groups. Lesions consisted mainly of granulomas in multiple organs. Suspected viral disease occurred in 23.3% of birds, and protozoal infections were found in 17.3% of birds. Systemic disease caused by an unknown haemosporozoan was the cause of death in a Lonchura oryzivora. An unknown infectious agent was associated with renal disease in a Ctenosaura sp. Gout secondary to dehydration was overrepresented in reptiles (33.3%). This study highlights the complexity of disease processes affecting confiscated birds and reptiles in CITES rescue settings and provides invaluable information for other rescue centers that may impact the success of conservation strategies.

Ocular trauma is a significant contributor to mortality in wild birds, particularly in owls. Despite the critical role of vision in survival, ocular biometric data for brown hawk-owls (Ninox scutulata) remain limited. This study establishes ultrasonographic reference values for ocular structures in the brown hawk-owl. Using B-mode ultrasonography, biometric parameters including corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, vitreous chamber depth, axial length of the globe, and pecten oculi height were measured in 64 eyes from 32 individuals (26 adults and 6 juveniles). Correlations among these ocular biometric parameters were also analyzed. No significant differences were observed between the left and right eyes or between the horizontal and sagittal imaging planes. However, significant biometric differences were found between adult and juvenile owls, except for pecten oculi height. No significant correlations were identified between body weight and most ocular biometric parameters, except for a slight positive correlation with anterior chamber depth. Axial globe length showed positive correlations with anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, and vitreous chamber depth. Establishing normal ocular biometric values may enhance diagnostic accuracy and will serve as a valuable reference for veterinary ophthalmology, wildlife rehabilitation, and species conservation in brown hawk-owls.

A major threat to the declining European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is road traffic. Devising methods to reduce the number of collisions would increase hedgehog welfare in an urbanized world and serve to protect this flagship species, and this goal might be advanced by an understanding of their hearing. This study investigates the auditory capabilities and anatomy of the ear of the European hedgehog. Using auditory brainstem response testing on 20 live hedgehogs from Danish wildlife rescue centres, we measured hearing thresholds across 4-85 kHz and found a peak sensitivity around 40 kHz, revealing that European hedgehogs can hear sound frequencies of at least 4-85 kHz. Complementary postmortem micro-CT scans enabled a detailed three-dimensional reconstruction of the inner ear, revealing small middle ear bones with a cochlear spiral of approximately 1.7 turns. Results show that hedgehogs can perceive a broad ultrasonic range, which provides important cues for directional hearing and may additionally function in prey detection and communication. These findings provide critical insights into hedgehog sensory biology and inform the potential development of ultrasonic repellents to mitigate traffic collisions and habitat disturbances, contributing to conservation strategies for this declining species.

Taking wildlife into human care is a balancing act between benefits and harms, as handling and captivity can cause chronic stress that can lead to permanent physiological changes. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate stress levels during the rehabilitation of wild animals such as raptors. Fecal samples from 15 Common Buzzards (Buteo buteo) were taken to determine fecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations as a biomarker for stress across the rehabilitation phases. Significantly higher concentrations of fecal glucocorticoid metabolites were found during housing phase 1, when the birds were housed in small cages and handled at least once a day for medical treatment, compared to housing phase 2, when they were housed in larger and more undisturbed aviaries. The day of rehabilitation had no significant impact on fecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations alone or in interaction with the housing phases. The cause of admission (acute or chronic) and the eventual outcome for the birds (release or euthanasia) also had no statistically significant effect. The results suggest that handling and restraint could be main stressors during rehabilitation and should be critically evaluated throughout the rehabilitation process. Recommendations were derived from our findings to improve the welfare of birds of prey in wildlife rehabilitation.

To report a case of avian dermatitis associated with Microlichus sp. (Acari: Epidermoptidae) in a free-ranging Pitangus sulphuratus (Great Kiskadee) from southern Brazil, emphasizing the clinical presentation and parasitological diagnosis. A juvenile P. sulphuratus was rescued and admitted to a wildlife rehabilitation center presenting feather loss and cutaneous lesions. Crust samples were collected from affected areas and examined microscopically after clarification in lactophenol. Mites were identified morphologically using classical and contemporary taxonomic keys. Topical ivermectin (0.4mg/kg) was administered once daily for 10 consecutive days, and clinical evolution was monitored during rehabilitation. Numerous mites morphologically consistent with Microlichus sp. were observed, supporting the diagnosis of epidermoptid infestation. Progressive resolution of dermatological lesions and complete feather regrowth were observed following treatment; however, no post-treatment parasitological reassessment was performed. To our knowledge, this represents the first clinical report of Microlichus sp. associated with dermatitis in P. sulphuratus in Brazil. This case highlights the relevance of integrating clinical and parasitological investigations in wildlife rehabilitation settings and contributes to expanding current knowledge on the host range and potential health impacts of epidermoptid mites in free-ranging Neotropical birds.

The Siberian weasel (Mustela sibirica) is a frequently encountered species in Korean wildlife rehabilitation; however, the species-specific hematologic data remain scarce. This study analyzed the hematologic observed values in 52 clinically healthy, free-ranging Siberian weasels rescued in Seoul between 2020 and 2024. The subjects were classified by sex (26 males and 26 females) and age (26 juveniles and 26 adults). The animals were sedated with alfaxalone (5 mg/kg) and medetomidine (20 lg/kg). Blood was collected via cephalic, lateral saphenous, or cranial vena cava venipuncture. Complete blood counts were performed using an automated analyzer with a visual validation of the differential results. Statistical analysis comprised a Shapiro-Wilk normality test (P > 0.2) to select the parametric or nonparametric methods for calculating the observed value intervals with 90% confidence intervals. The statistical outliers were excluded using Dixon's and Tukey's methods with iterative removal until no additional outliers were detected. The Siberian weasels displayed broad lymphocyte percentage ranges (10.1%-65.7%), potentially reflecting adaptive responses to urban environmental challenges. Female weasels exhibited significantly higher platelet concentrations compared to males (P = 0.0044). No other sex- or age-related differences were significant. Our findings provide the baseline criteria for the clinical assessments of free-ranging Siberian weasels in wildlife rehabilitation and urban wildlife management programs.

Evaluation of risks of oil contamination in endangered seabirds in Algoa Bay, South Africa, linked to ship-to-ship bunkering and anthropogenic maritime activities.

Sea lions as a natural model for charting the developmental course following in utero exposure to domoic acid.

The western-European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is a near-threatened mammal frequently admitted to wildlife rescue centres. In early 2025, an outbreak of haemorrhagic enteritis affected 28 hoglets and juvenile hedgehogs at the Ria Formosa Wildlife Recovery and Research Centre (RIAS) in Portugal, resulting in a mortality rate exceeding 35%. Clinical signs included appetite and weight loss, and diarrhoea (including bloody diarrhoea). Diagnostic testing (parasitology, virology, bacteriology and histopathology) was conducted and Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica, was isolated from internal organs (liver, spleen, intestine, and lung) of four necropsied individuals. Following antimicrobial susceptibility testing, treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole associated with critical care led to clinical improvement in surviving animals. This case underscores the challenges in diagnosing and managing infectious disease outbreaks in wildlife rescue centres and highlights the zoonotic risk of diseases that can affect hedgehogs, as salmonellosis. The findings emphasise the need for enhanced surveillance, rapid diagnostics, and effective biosecurity protocols in conservation centres to ensure animal welfare, good recovery rates and mitigate public health risks.

Haemosporida are vector-borne parasitic protozoa known to be present in birds of most avian orders. However, despite their perceived diversity using DNA barcode approaches, describing and delimiting species is challenging, particularly for those parasites found in non-passerine birds. In this study, we describe Haemoproteus trarotraro n. sp., a species found in two Falconiform hosts, the Crested Caracara (Caracara plancus plancus, type host) and the Yellow-headed Caracara (Daptrius chimachima chimachima), both sampled in Brazil at a wildlife rehabilitation center using microscopy and molecular tools. Haemoproteus trarotraro n. sp. is distinguished from the two other haemoproteid species described in Falconiformes, H. brachiatus and H. tinnunculi , by the absence of gametocytes that fully encircle the host-cell nucleus, and by the presence of numerous small vacuoles scattered throughout the cytoplasm of macrogametocytes. Both the partial cytb gene and the mtDNA genome for this new species are reported. The sequencing of the cytb barcode fragment revealed that H. trarotraro n. sp. reported here corresponds to a Haemoproteus sp. haplotype (GenBank Accession (AF465594) lineage POLPLA01 in Malavi) previously reported from Caracara plancus cheriway in Florida, USA. Although it diverges by only 2% at the cytb level from H. tinnunculi and H. brachiatus, H. trarotraro n. sp. is not a sister lineage to these taxa. Instead, phylogenetic analyses place it within a distinct but closely related, well-supported clade comprising lineages infecting American Kestrels (Falco sparverius). This study contributes, through an integrative taxonomic approach, to the ongoing discussion about species delimitation within the order Haemosporida.

Poultry pox is a highly contagious viral disease with a high incidence in many countries. The causative agent is a large, enveloped, double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the genus Avipoxvirus (APV) of the Poxviridae family. The virus is responsible for the occurrence of smallpox in numerous domestic and wild poultry species and is transmitted through aerosol, food, or vectors. A review of the extant literature on avian smallpox reveals that only a few cases of the disease have been reported in various domestic and wild poultry species, with only a few cases reported in owls. In this study, the case of smallpox in an eared forest owl (Asio otus) that was brought to the Kafkas University Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center is presented.

Background Entanglement in man-made materials is reported by wildlife rehabilitators as a common source of injury and mortality in wildlife, however there is limited scientific research on this impact. Aims To quantify the impact of entanglement on wildlife in terms of entanglement material, taxonomy, and conservation status using New South Wales (NSW), Australia, as a case study. Methods Wildlife rescue data were sourced from the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service data repository. All records of wildlife entanglement incidents in NSW between 2011–2012 and 2020–2021 were analysed for trends in relation to entanglement material and taxonomy, and NSW conservation status of affected species. A Mann–Kendall trend test and Augmented Dickey–Fuller test were performed for each data series to identify trends or periodicity. Key results The annual number of wildlife rescue records in NSW attributed to entanglement has increased between 2011 and 2021. Entanglement in netting and wire represents more than a quarter of reported annual entanglements and has increased over time. The reported number of species impacted each year has increased, with mammals and birds consistently most affected. Across all taxa, the data show that flying-foxes were the most impacted species, representing more than two-thirds of all entanglements annually. The grey-headed flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus), listed as a threatened species under both NSW and Australian federal legislation, represented more than 50% of all flying-fox entanglements. Conclusions We provide scientific evidence that entanglement in netting and wire is a threat to Australian wildlife, and that this threat is likely increasing. The consistent representation of the grey-headed flying-fox in the data, combined with the observed trend of increasing annual entanglements, suggests that this threatened species will continue to be disproportionately impacted. Implications This paper quantifies the impact of entanglement on wildlife in terms of entanglement materials and impacts on particular species, especially species that are threatened with extinction. Promotion of wildlife-safe netting and fencing materials is common across jurisdictions, with some additionally enacting regulatory changes to prohibit certain netting materials.

The Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) is a species of conservation interest throughout much of eastern North America, and management efforts for the species are widespread. Peregrines are at risk for exposure to Trichomonas spp. because of their tendency to take pigeons and doves (Columbiformes) as prey. We investigated the prevalence of Trichomonas spp. in wild nestling Peregrine Falcons banded in nests in Kentucky, USA. We tested throat swabs collected from 266 Peregrine Falcons during 2005-23. A total of 21 birds tested positive for Trichomonas spp.; none of the falcons that tested positive were resighted as adults. We treated a subset of nestlings for Trichomonas spp. infection, including two in the nest (without removal), two nestlings temporarily removed from the nest for treatment, and 10 placed with wildlife rehabilitators for treatment. Rehabilitated nestlings were released at an age of ≥75 d. However, we did not confirm any benefits to survival from treatment. Trichomonosis may hinder Peregrine Falcon nestling survival in certain areas, especially urban locations.

Aims: The present study aimed to assess employment generation as a direct-use ecosystem service of the Amrabad Tiger Reserve, Telangana, India, and to examine its role in supporting local livelihoods and strengthening conservation outcomes across forest divisions. Study Design: Descriptive, cross-sectional study based on records analysis and field verification. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Achampet, Amrabad, and Nagarjuna Sagar forest divisions of the Amrabad Tiger Reserve, Telangana, India, during 2023–2025. Methodology: Employment data were obtained through systematic analysis of Forest Department administrative records, supplemented by field-level verification and structured interactions with divisional officials. Employment was classified into functional categories including forest protection and patrolling, fire prevention and control, wildlife rescue and monitoring, administrative support, vehicle operations, and ecotourism services. Division-wise and category-wise employment distribution was analyzed to assess spatial variation and livelihood significance. Results: The Amrabad Tiger Reserve generated direct employment for 381 individuals, with the Amrabad Division contributing the highest share (234 individuals; 61.4%), followed by Achampet (113; 29.7%) and Nagarjuna Sagar (34; 8.9%). Labour-intensive roles dominated the employment structure, notably base camp helpers (140; 36.7%), Tiger Conservation Force personnel (89; 23.4%), fire watchers (50; 13.1%), and drivers (24; 6.3%). Ecotourism-related employment accounted for 24 positions (6.3%), comprising nature guides and ecotourism drivers. The majority of jobs were accessible to local and forest-dependent communities, indicating strong livelihood linkage. Conclusion: Employment generation represents a significant socio-economic benefit of the Amrabad Tiger Reserve, contributing to livelihood security, reducing reliance on extractive forest use, and fostering community participation in conservation. A key limitation of the study is its reliance on officially recorded employment data, which may underestimate informal or seasonal livelihood opportunities linked to conservation activities.