Wildlife rehabilitation centres exist to address human-caused illnesses and injuries on wild animals. It’s a sobering statistic that in the last 50 years, over 80% of biodiversity on earth has been lost. Habitat loss is the primary causes of our planet’s biodiversity decline.

With such small populations of wildlife remaining, every individual’s life matters. This is no more acute than with vultures who are declining at staggering rates due to direct and indirect poisonings. 

INFRASTRUCTURE
Vehicle collisions are a leading cause of wildlife injuries, affecting reptiles, birds, and mammals. Injuries range from concussions to severe fractures. Power lines and transformers cause burns and fractures, and electrocutions pose a significant threat. 

AGRICULTURE
Fences, especially barbed wire, trap wildlife, with birds like owls frequently caught. Servals, caracals, and jackals face shooting, poisoning, or trapping, while species like porcupines and monkeys are also targeted. Insecticides and rodenticides poison birds, bats, snakes, and small mammals, disrupting ecosystems. 

INTRODUCED SPECIES
Domesticated cats and dogs greatly harm wildlife by often preying on small wild mammals and birds. The impact of these pets on biodiversity is substantial, with well-documented cases showing their destructive effects on vulnerable wildlife populations.

POLLUTION
Birds entangled in twine, line, and strips of plastic get stuck in trees, or lose limbs when the plastic constricts legs, feet, and toes. The accidental ingestion of plastic waste has also resulted in birds and small mammals being admitted.

DIRECT PERSECUTION
Wildlife faces not only indirect threats from humans but also direct harm. Gunshot injuries are common among small predators and birds of prey. Poaching, snaring, and dog hunting leave many animals injured or orphaned, with only the lucky ones reaching rehabilitation.