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Last January, an extraordinary event caught the attention of the environmental community in Italia. In the province of Casertaa young woman black stork a migratory species considered at risk of extinction, was found seriously injured due to a gunshot. This episode highlighted the challenges facing the wildlife and underlined the importance of recovery operations e reception of animals in difficulty.
Rescue intervention and rehabilitation
Immediately after the discovery, the stork, a one-year-old female, was transported to “Federico II” Wild Animal Recovery Centeroperating within the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production. Here, a series of treatments was initiated by a team of veterinarians specializing in wildlife, in collaboration with theASL Naples 1 Centre. Recovery efforts proved intense and challenging, but thanks to the skills accumulated over time, staff were able to stabilize the animal’s condition.
Following treatment, the stork undertook a long rehabilitation process, during which it was carefully monitored. This work was carried out with the support of Caserta Forestry Carabinieri Groupwho also managed the legal aspects of the incident. The stork finally showed signs of substantial improvement and, by the end of July, was ready to return to its natural habitat.
Controlled release and monitoring
The release of the black stork occurred with great care and under vigilant control. The experts of Recovery Centertogether with the staff ofASL Napoli 1 and of theHigher Institute for Environmental Protection and Research they planned a phased release. This delicate phase was characterized by a spontaneous removal of the animal, which was able to get used to its natural environment again without immediate pressure.
This stork is part of a European project which aims to monitor black storks via a system of ringing e GPS tracking. Upon release, a GPS device was attached to the animal, allowing continuous monitoring of its movements. Thanks to this technology, it is possible to collect valuable information on how specimens interact with the environment and conduct their migrations towards warmer regions, such as Africa.
The results of GPS monitoring
GPS tracking of the stork provides in-depth data on its movements, contributing to a broader picture of the species’ migratory habits. To date, the information collected indicates a satisfactory recovery of the animal, documented through various medium-range movements. Interestingly, the area occupied by the stork in Southern Italy has currently recorded the presence of other young specimens, thus contributing to the rebirth of the local population.
This initiative is not only crucial for the black stork, but also represents a significant step for the conservation of biodiversity in Italia. Thanks to joint efforts between agencies and institutions, the future of this migratory species appears a little brighter, signaling the importance of protecting and assisting endangered wildlife. The successes achieved in the recovery and reintroduction of the black stork constitute a virtuous example of intervention for the protection of nature and the restoration of ecological balances.
Last updated on November 2, 2024 by Elizabeth China
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