Incidence and outcomes of fractures in birds of prey admitted to three wildlife rehabilitation centers in southern Brazil (2018–2024)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5433/1679-0359.2026v47n2p465Keywords:
Humerus, Raptors, Thoracic limb, Trauma, Wildlife rehabilitation.Abstract
Birds of prey play a crucial role in ecosystems as apex predators, making their conservation essential for environmental balance. However, they face numerous threats, with trauma being the leading cause of admission to rehabilitation centers. This study aimed to characterize fracture cases in birds of prey admitted to three wildlife rehabilitation centers in southern Brazil, describing their occurrence and distribution according to age, season, fracture type, anatomical location, and clinical outcome. Data from three centers in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, were compiled from 2018 to 2024, including species, age, season, reason for admission, and outcome. A total of 605 birds admitted due to trauma were evaluated, of which 265 (43.8%) presented one or more fractures. The proportion of fractures was 51.7% at Núcleo de Reabilitação da Fauna Silvestre (NU), 50.9% at Zoológico Municipal de Canoas (ZC), and 37.2% at Clínica Veterinária Toca dos Bichos (TB). Strigiformes was the most affected order across all institutions. Adults accounted for most cases (63.4%), followed by juveniles (24.9%) and chicks (6.0%). Open fractures, often associated with poor prognosis, represented 45.1% at NU, 12.5% at ZC, and 14.8% at TB. Thoracic limbs were most frequently affected, especially the humerus. The summer season had the highest number of admissions (30.1%). Overall, 196 of 265 birds (74.0%) died or were euthanized, with higher frequency in cases involving open fractures. These findings highlight the need for improved fracture documentation and emphasize preventive measures to reduce trauma-related injuries, contributing to better management and rehabilitation strategies for birds of prey.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Ana Paula Morel, Maria Lúcia Rösler, Ana Júlia Fazenda de Souza, Carolina Depelegrin, Denise Giani, Fabiane Prusch, Gleide Marsicano, Márcio Nunes Corrêa, Raqueli Terezinha França
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