title: [Monitoring the success of veterinary treatment in rehabilitated and released birds of prey using radiotelemetry].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Free-ranging birds of prey brought to veterinary practice should only be treated after thorough diagnostics. Before their release back into the wild, specific training - including falconry techniques - may be necessary, depending on raptor species and age. Rehabilitated birds of prey were monitored using radiotelemetry after release back into the wild. The success of veterinary therapy and the prognosis of treated diseases/injuries in free-ranging birds were evaluated. In addition, the use of radiotelemetry as a simple technique for surveillance was evaluated. The project was undertaken in cooperation with schools as a contribution to environmental education. MATERIAL UND METHODS: Three common buzzards (Buteo buteo) and one kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)were treated and released with a radio transmitter attached to a tail feather. They were tracked daily (by car or plane), observed using binoculars and their GPS coordinates were documented.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One transmitter was lost early, making monitoring of the bird impossible. Three birds were monitored over a period of more than 14 days. These birds were successfully reintroduced into the wild, as documented from courtship displays and mating. The longest flight distance achieved was 44 km.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Veterinary treatment aimed at rehabilitating feral birds can be successful. Radiotelemetry is a suitable tool to monitor free-ranging birds. The application of this technique is performed readily by laypeople (school students).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Being in agreement with other studies, this data should motivate veterinarians to treat wild birds of prey for rehabilitation.
authors: Dominik Fischer, Klinik für Vögel, Reptilien, Amphibien und Fische, Klinikum Veterinärmedizin, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Frankfurter Straße 91-93, 35392 Gießen, E-Mail: dominik.fischer@vetmed.uni-giessen.de.
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Fischer
authors: M R
authors: MR
authors: Hampel
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Lierz
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000835:Animals, Wild / Q000293:injuries* / Q000502:physiology; D001715:Bird Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D040362:Geographic Information Systems; D018670:Monitoring, Ambulatory / Q000662:veterinary*; D020304:Raptors / Q000293:injuries* / Q000502:physiology; D013686:Telemetry / Q000662:veterinary*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014730:Veterinary Medicine / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods
keywords: Rehabilitation; free-ranging birds; raptors; release; telemetry; transmitter