The collision with electrical lines, fences and agricultural machines during the harvesting season, electrocution and the fall of hatchlings from their nests (in the case of the Lesser Kestrel), are some of the mortality causes of steppe birds that we intend to mitigate with Project LIFE Estepárias. One of the measures is related to the attempt of rescuing wounded and/or debilitated steppe birds, their posterior recovering and restitution in the wild.
These birds have more demanding and different recovery specificities than other species: The Great Bustard and the Little Bustard are very vulnerable to handling, with a possibility of developing pathologies associated with stress (myopathy). In the case of the Lesser Kestrel the specificity is mostly associated with the rehabilitation of hatchlings and juveniles, in an attempt to minimize juvenile mortality.
Given the need of a geographical location near the habitat of these birds and a high and specific experience in handling and treatment, LPN intend to specialize, for the first time in Portugal, a wildlife rehabilitation center, with the technical expertise and necessary facilities adapted to the reception, treatment and recovery of steppe birds.
Any wild animal found injured or weakened shall be immediately sent to the nearest wildlife rehabilitation center through contact with the competent authorities (ICNF and SEPNA-GNR). In case it is one of the three target species of LIFE Estepárias, the Project team will conduct its capture, provision of first aid and transport to the wildlife rehabilitation center. Currently, the birds are sent to RIAS – wildlife rehabilitation and research center (http://rias-aldeia.blogspot.com), located in Olhão and managed by the Association ALDEIA (www.aldeia.org), with which LPN made a cooperation protocol within the project LIFE Estepárias.
If you find a great bustard, little bustard or lesser kestrel injured, immediately contact with LPN:
CEAVG - Environmental Education Center Vale Gonçalinho, Castro Verde: 286 328 309 or 925 068 990
For any other species, contact the appropriate authorities:
SEPNA - GNR (Lisbon): 217 503 080
SEPNA - GNR (Almodovar): 961 193 278
SEPNA - GNR (Aljustrel): 961 193 277
SEPNA - GNR (Beja): 961 193 279
SEPNA - GNR (Moura): 961 193 280
SOS Environment: 808 200 520
Closest Natural Park or Protected Area: PNVG - ICNF: 286 610 090
WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND A WILD ANIMAL INJURED:
1 - Avoid upsetting him, minimizing noise, handling time and contact with people;
2 - Immediately contact with the competent authorities (LPN, SEPNA or ICNF) and follow the instructions given by them;
3 - Only perform this procedure if you have knowledge and security to do it: use a towel or cloth to cover the animal's head (avoids visual stimuli, calming him) and put it in a cardboard box appropriate to its size, with small holes so it can breathe. Have attention to beak / snout and claws so you can’t be hurt!
4 - Do not keep the animal in your possession longer than is strictly necessary and only provide first aid if you have knowledge to do so.
You may access more information about birds rehabilitation during the project LIFE Estepárias HERE. (Powerpoint presentation of Liliana Barosa - LPN).