Diagnosis of the fauna received at the CETRAS of Caldas Novas, Goiás, central Brazil

Abstract

Animals found in situations of road accidents, injuries, or fallen nestlings are rescued and taken to Wildlife Triage and Rehabilitation Centers (CETRAS). In this study, we analyzed the wildlife received at the CETRAS in Caldas Novas, central Brazil, between 2022 and 2023. We accessed the intake records of each specimen received at CETRAS and recorded data such as entry date, type of delivery, responsible agent, taxon, and length of stay at the center. A total of 447 animals, belonging to 80 vertebrate species, were recorded. Birds were the most representative group, with 303 individuals from 50 species, followed by mammals (81 individuals from 16 species) and reptiles (63 individuals from 14 species). Three species of psittacids (blue-and-yellow macaw, yellow-chevroned parakeet, and peach-fronted parakeet) presented injuries to the wings, thorax, beak, and legs. Opossums and tortoises with some type of injury showed damage to the thorax and limbs, and to the legs and carapace, respectively. Most of these animal rescues occurred in urban areas. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the dynamics and challenges faced by wildlife.