Destination of Wildlife Rescued by Reserva Biológica Guaribas Team, in the Atlantic Forest of Northeastern Brazil

Abstract

The aim of this work is to evaluate the destination given by the Reserva Biológica (REBIO) Guaribas team to wild animals rescued or received by them. Documentary information was compiled to identify the taxonomic profile of the rescued fauna, the profile of the rescuers, the type of destination given to it and to detect spatial trends in the releases. 360 documents of the type “fauna record” produced between April 2012 and July 2017 were examined, of which 114 were characterized as rescue events (31.7% of the records) and of these, 31 records (27% of the rescues) enabled a spatial analysis. Mammalia was the most represented taxonomic group, with emphasis on the common sloth (Bradypus variegatus). An opportunity was detected to use of part of the individuals of this species, rescued near SEMA 2 in a population reinvigoration program to be created in the SEMA 3 area. The most frequent types of rescuer were the citizen and the staff of REBIO Guaribas, with 52 rescues (45.6%) each. The most common destination was release in a natural environment, but there is a high proportion of rescued individuals injured therefore being referred to veterinary care or dying. The team could improve the quality of the records through the permanent training of the executors of the management actions, incorporation of volunteers, as well improving as the quality of the releases through a partnership with a research institution.