Acta Scientiarum Polonorum
Silvarum Colendarum Ratio et Industria Lignaria

The operation of the animal rehabilitation center in Czempiń, specialising in treatment of birds of prey and owls, was analysed on the basis of data from the years 1982–2002 and 2004–2015. In that period 349 birds were treated there, more often than not species that had increased their population size in Poland at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries (common buzzard, northern gos, hawk, common kestrel and white-tailed ea-

gle). Birds were transported from different, often distant regions of the country and were sent to Czempiń usually as a consequence of trauma due to collision with standing objects or vehicles (50%) or as dependent hatchlings (31%), which collection from the natural habitat was not always justified. Less common causes for the transfer of birds was connected with toxicosis (11%) and illegal capture (8%). The biggest chances for return to nature was observed in young birds and birds with sprains or small wounds, which were released after several weeks. The rehabilitation time of birds with damaged feathering was definitely longer, because the total feather replacement happens once a year. A majority of treated birds were released back into the wild (58%). The next group was saved, but required to be held permanently in captivity (29%). Some of them raised young in captivity, which supported the reintroduction program for endangered species. In the case of late transfer for treatment, especially when it comes to birds with extensive trauma and after toxicosis, rescue attempts ended with their death or euthanasia. Effectiveness of wild animal treatment in Poland could be improved by increasing the number of rehabilitation centers, extending the community of vets specialising in such treatment and also by improving nature education and awareness of the public.