Wildlife Rehabilitation and Endangered Species Identification

Why is wildlife identification important?

Each species, regardless of its population status, requires different needs to live. From what it eats, to how it acts, to home structure, even to medical needs, knowing what animal cared for is important to properly rehabilitating it. When it comes to endangered species, those factors are even more important.

The Rehabilitation of Endangered Wildlife website (https://matosem.wixsite.com/endangeredwildlife) was created in order to help wildlife rehabilitators identify endangered species. It began as a class project and was focused on the local community of Long Island, and the endangered species native to that region. Not only was it created to help rehabilitators, it also serves to help the general community. In order to do that certain unique features were built into the website.

What can you expect to find?

One of the features of this site is the map. The map can be used and edited by both rehabbers and the general public. The users can mark where and when they have found an animal suspected of be endangered. The map also serves as a way to help them locate their local rehabilitation centers. For rehabbers, the map allows them to know exactly where to release the animal back into the environment.

Why is it important to know where the animal was found?

For a rehabber, knowing exactly where an animal came from is a major part of wildlife rehabilitation. Though it does not always happen, the whole purpose of wildlife rehabilitation is to release a healthy, fully wild animal back into its habitat. Knowing where the animal was rescued both ensures the animal will not affect the environment and makes sure the animal recognizes where it is.

What else can be found on the website?

Another feature the website provides is the identification resources. This section is a list of books of wildlife identification that are widely used by both professional and nonprofessional rehabbers. These books can also supplement anyone’s identification collection.

The site also includes a forum for community engagement. It’s a place where rehabbers can share helpful care advice, like what food is most successful when feeding baby birds, or even allow them to share peer reviewed articles on the current care methods in the field. For the general public the forum provides a means of education and advice, for example, what to do if someone rescues an animal and their local wildlife rehab center is closed.

How are the species organized?

After the website was finished for the class, having the site only provide Long Island’s endangered species was not enough. Looking into the descriptions of all the endangered species of the state, it was quickly discovered that most of the species could be found in specific regions, with very little overlap. Knowing how the state is split up; Upstate, Western New York, Central New York etc., it was easy to organize each species by the NY region it can be found in.

For the identification sections, each species has its own page that includes a detailed description of its appearance, including unique identifying features. Provided as well are several images of each animal at different angles, of different color variants, and at different life stages. However, if these are not helpful enough in identifying the species and further research is needed, the scientific name is provided for each animal. In addition, all of the resources used are located in a reference list at the bottom of each species’ page.

Why was the website created?

The inspiration for this website was the shared experience of rehabbers. Most, if not all, wildlife rehabbers use identification books which provide only artist renderings or illustrations of animals. Trying to figure out what specific species of bird someone would bring into a center and having to match up facial and wing patterns, or beak shape to an illustrated image is difficult. For a new rehabber, if it’s hard for them to identify a more common species, how would they fare if they had to identify an endangered species? In addition, not identifying a species correctly contributes to population loss. Lastly, after looking up the most renowned field guide series it was discovered that there aren’t any identification books for only endangered species. Thus, the idea of an endangered species only, identification guide.

Why is identifying endangered species important for wildlife rehabilitation?

The New York state Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) requires all animals taken in, that are members of an endangered species, to be reported within 24 hours of intake. This reporting is required by law and knowing that a center has an endangered animal is crucial to for a rehabber to keep their license and facility. The importance of caring for endangered species also helps ensure the species doesn’t go extinct. Species extinction disrupts the order of an ecosystem and decreases biodiversity. As someone who has to make sure their rehab animals contribute properly to its population, the rehabbers responsibility to an endangered species is that much more important.

How can you help?

If you are interested in becoming a wildlife rehabilitator, first, you have to be 16 in the state of New York. Second, you can go onto the NYS DEC website to find the requirements or, if you don’t live in New York, you can go onto your state’s DEC website to find the requirements there. If you are interested in the endangered species identification website, please feel free to visit the link below. Explore the website and any feedback or questions can be posted in the Ask Anything section of the forum.

https://matosem.wixsite.com/endangeredwildlife