Determination of "Non-Releasable Animal" Status of Injured Wild Raptors in Rehabilitation: A Bibliographic Review

Raptors hold a key part to the survival of different species and maintaining ecosystems, thus protecting the biodiversity of our lands. Their rapid decline in many areas of the World has caused concerns not only intrinsically, but also from a human health, food-web stability and cultural points of view. In regard to these, wildlife rehabilitation of injured raptors has increased in significance. In many different rehabilitation centers, it was observed that wild raptors have been admitted most commonly due to collision and trauma related injuries. A great number of these injuries result in permanent physical or neurological damage to the individual. This can affect the quality of life, or even be detrimental to the survival of the raptor when released to the wild. Although wildlife rehabilitation always aims to release as many healed individuals as possible, it is not uncommon for many raptors to be unable to, due to the nature of their injuries or complications during rehabilitation. The existence of release criteria for raptors ensures that only individuals who have a chance of survival are released. The animals that fail this criterion are considered as unable to perform tasks necessary to survive in their natural environment and are given the “non-releasable animal” status. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview on what it means to give "non-releasable status" to injured raptors by considering different guidelines and lists that provide information on when a raptor is deemed non-releasable. The paper explores criteria set by official sources, as well as considering experiences of wildlife rehabilitation professionals, which was found to differ at times. After the declaration of non-releasable status by the rehabilitator, the future of the animal must be decided. During this process, the welfare of the bird and ethics around this topic play an important role. In view of the possibilities of releasing a disabled raptor (i.e., keeping it in a sanctuary, making it an educational bird, using it in population conservation programs or euthanizing it), the paper hopes to highlight the importance of considering the individual animal’s needs and to provide an extensive analysis on when and how this decision is made.