Wildlife Rehabilitation Success Rates - Evidence

Evidence on rehabilitation success rates for different wildlife species, and how outcomes can be improved.

Key Facts

Release success rates for rehabilitated wildlife vary from under 20% for some species to over 80% for others
Hedgehog rehabilitation to release takes an average of 120 days with release success around 60-70%
Raptors released after wing injury have significantly lower long-term survival than uninjured wild conspecifics
Outcome tracking beyond immediate release is essential but rarely conducted due to resource constraints
Standardised welfare assessment at intake, during rehabilitation, and at release would improve outcome reporting

Welfare Considerations

This topic has significant welfare implications for the animals involved. Evidence-based management approaches and appropriate veterinary care can substantially improve outcomes.

What You Can Do

Consult your veterinarian for guidance specific to your situation
Follow evidence-based management protocols
Monitor animals closely and intervene promptly when welfare concerns arise
Stay updated with current research and best practices
Share knowledge with others to improve welfare across the sector