Published in Scientific Works. Series C. Veterinary Medicine, Vol. LXXI, Issue 2
Written by Francisc-Andrei CEATLOȘ, Oana VASILIU, Niculae TUDOR
Wild birds of prey found in Romania play a key role in maintaining biodiversity due to their position at the top of the food pyramid (Baltag, 2010). Birds are distinguished from other animals by the presence of a pneumatic skeleton with a thinner cortex, which makes them more sensitive to the dangers of the modern era (Ahmed et al., 2019; Novitskaya et al., 2017). 98 cases were documented from the Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre of the "Visul Luanei" Foundation during 2024, of which the common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) (33.67%), and owls (order Strigiformes) (43%) were the most encountered species. The birds underwent clinical examination, 30 were suitable for intervention with various coaptation techniques. 168 injuries were recorded, humerus (29/168) being the most affected, and the coraco-scapular humeral joint had the highest ratio of healed trauma 5/15. The study aimed to identify post-traumatic lesions of the appendicular skeleton, their presentation, the time elapsed since their occurrence, the physical condition, and the methods of treatment, providing a clear perspective on the difficulties in the rehabilitation of wild birds of prey.
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