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Post-release survival of hand-reared tawny owls (Strix aluco) based on radio-tracking and leg-band return data

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 January 2023

K Leighton ,
D Chilvers ,
A Charles  and
A Kelly
K Leighton
Affiliation:
RSPCA East Winch Wildlife Centre, East Winch, Norfolk PE32 1NR, UK
D Chilvers
Affiliation:
RSPCA East Winch Wildlife Centre, East Winch, Norfolk PE32 1NR, UK
A Charles
Affiliation:
RSPCA East Winch Wildlife Centre, East Winch, Norfolk PE32 1NR, UK
A Kelly*
Affiliation:
RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre, London Rd, Stapeley, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 7JW, UK IBLS, Division of Environmental and Evolutionary Biology, Graham Kerr Building, University of Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
*
* Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints: ankelly@RSPCA.org.uk
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Abstract

The post-release survival of hand-reared tawny owls (Strix aluco) was measured using radio-tracking and leg-band return data. Of 16 birds fitted with 2.4 g radiotelemetry tags, two shed their tags after four and nine days, respectively and one bird was recovered and the tag removed. The remaining 13 birds were tracked for between 16 and 84 days (median 38). Of these, two were found dead (one emaciated and one predated) and one was recovered alive but emaciated and was subsequently euthanased. Thirty-seven percent were radio-tracked for more than six weeks, thought to be the critical period beyond which raptors will mostly survive. Of 112 birds banded between 1995 and 2005, 18 were recovered (seven live and 11 dead). Of the seven live recoveries, three were involved in road traffic collisions. Of the dead recoveries for which the cause of death was known (n = 4), all had been involved in road traffic collisions. The time elapsed between release and recovery ranged from 1–2,246 days (median 123 days). Over 65% survived for more than six weeks. The distance travelled between release and recovery ranged between 0 and 6 km (median 0). Further work is required on the effects of hand rearing on post-release survival of rehabilitated wildlife.

Keywords

animal welfareradio-trackingrehabilitationStrix alucosurvivaltawny owl
Type
Articles
Information
Animal Welfare , Volume 17 , Issue 3 , August 2008 , pp. 207 - 214
Copyright
© 2008 Universities Federation for Animal Welfare

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