Diagnóstico da fauna de aves, mamíferos e répteis recebida pelo Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres (CETAS) de Santa Catarina (SC)

Abstract

The Wildlife Rescue Centers (CETAS) were established by the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA) to facilitate the reception, identification, marking, sorting, evaluation, recovery, rehabilitation, and allocation of wildlife resulting from law enforcement actions, rescues, or voluntary delivery by the public in general. Currently, there are 45 CETAS, managed by IBAMA, or by state and municipal agencies, universities, NGOs, and private entities. However, quantitative analyses of the species admitted to these centers, the reasons for their admission, and their final disposition are notably limited. The state of Santa Catarina (SC) hosts only one CETAS, located in Florianópolis (hereafter referred to as CETAS-SC), despite having one of the highest percentages of remaining forest cover in the Atlantic Forest, which is recognized as one of Brazil's biodiversity hotspots. This study aimed to identify the species of birds, mammals, and reptiles admitted to the Wildlife Rescue Center (CETAS) in Santa Catarina from June 2019 to early September 2023. Specifically, we analyzed the relevant characteristics of the individuals recorded in the database managed by the Instituto Espaço Silvestre (IES) and the Instituto do Meio Ambiente de Santa Catarina (IMA). To achieve this, we reviewed and updated the data spreadsheet provided by CETAS-SC, standardized the reasons for admission, final disposal, and destination, and conducted an analysis of the types and quantities of species received, as well as the reasons for their admission and subsequent disposal. A total of 12,595 records were evaluated, encompassing 266 bird, 44 mammal, and 31 reptile species. Among these, 220 bird, 35 mammal, and 18 reptile species are native to Santa Catarina. Although most native species are classified as of "Least Concern" (LC), several threatened species were also received by the CETAS-SC. The primary reason for admission to CETAS-SC for birds, mammals, and reptiles was rescue, with voluntary delivery and confiscation also being significant factors. The detailed causes for admission included "cop operations" for animals involved in environmental crimes, and "injured due to natural or unknown causes" for animals requiring care to alleviate suffering and facilitate recovery. Regarding final disposition across Brazilian states, the most animals remained in Santa Catarina. Individuals deemed fit for release were returned to their natural habitats, while those unable to survive in the wild were transferred to appropriate facilities, such as zoos. Additionally, deceased animals were often donated to educational institutions. Overall, the findings of the current study underscore the critical role played by CETAS-SC in the conservation of Brazilian wildlife, contributing to animal welfare, public awareness, education, and the preservation of species.