Wildlife - Ethical Considerations Part 2

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Disadvantages of Intervening

  • unfair advantage against wild individuals
    • vaccination, fed enough food + feeding post release, get an overall health check
  • may not be recognised by family if kept a long time
  • may lose territory whilst in treatment
  • knock on effect on local population
  • interfere when there is no need to
  • may not be exposed to certain diseases
  • costly to rehab
    • food, volunteers, staff, accomodation
  • hand feeding takes time
  • soft release takes time and money
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Disadvantages of Intervening: Welfare

  • will they make a full recovery?
  • euthanasia may be the only option
  • health and safety
  • not causing unnecessary suffering
  • stress from captivity
  • euthanasia decision made within 24 to 48 hours in the triage step
    • less resources used
    • prevent attachment to the animal
  • welfare on population
    • ecological effects
    • existing populations damaged
      • resource loss
      • social disruption
    • interfere with natural selection on gene pools
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Disadvantages of Intervening: Health and Safety

  • physical injuries
  • zoonotic disease
  • extends through all stages
    • capture, handling and release
  • not just staff, advise public
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Disadvantages of Intervening: Cost and Time

  • e.g., equipment, vet bills, drugs, materials
  • many argue for funds to be spent on habitat protection, conservation breeding programmes or ecological education
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Species Seen

  • birds (67% of wildlife casualties)
    • pigeons, doves and small passerines
    • 50% of birds neonatal
  • mammals
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