ASSESSMENT OF THE RESCUE AND RELEASE OF WILD ANIMALS AT THE CETAS DE MONTES CLAROS

Resumo

Conservation biology is a field of knowledge developed in response to the current biodiversity crisis. This science is based on strategies and actions aimed at preserving species, with the goal of preventing their extinction and promoting their reintegration into natural ecosystems. In this context, institutions dedicated to sheltering wild animals removed from their natural habitats have emerged, whether due to illegal activities such as trafficking, trade, and hunting, or as a result of accidents. This study aimed to evaluate the methods of rescuing and releasing wild animals. To this end, data regarding the number of species rescued, as well as the animals' condition (healthy or injured), sex, age, and species diversity were analyzed. The different ways these animals entered the system were also considered, including seizures by authorities, institutional referrals, and voluntary surrenders, as well as their final destination, especially their return to the wild through release processes conducted by the institution. The results show that, despite the high number of animals received, a significant portion managed to return to their natural environment. Therefore, it can be concluded that the rehabilitation and release methods employed proved to be efficient. However, it is important to highlight the need for greater encouragement of research that further evaluates these processes, contributing to the improvement of species management and conservation techniques, as well as to the expansion of the dissemination of updated data.

Keywords: Wildlife. Species. Capture. Rehabilitation. Return.