Hospital admissions to a major wildlife hospital in south-east Queensland, Australia, over a 10-year period, 2012–2022
Kate J. Dutton-Regester
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Abstract
Wildlife hospitals play a critical role in the rehabilitation of injured wildlife; the data they collect offer valuable insights into the major threats affecting local species. This study analysed 10 years of admissions data from the RSPCA Wildlife Hospital in Wacol, Brisbane, Australia, to identify trends in causes of admission and temporal changes. The primary causes of admission were orphaning, vehicle collisions (MVAs), disease, and dog attacks, with orphaning being the leading cause, particularly among avian species. MVAs were the most significant cause of admission for mammals, including the endangered koala; disease and dog attacks also emerged as key contributors across various species. Over the study period, total wildlife admissions increased 2.5-fold, with a 12-fold rise in koala admissions, likely reflecting both heightened public awareness and escalating threats. The analysis also highlighted important gaps in data collection, including lack of context regarding orphaned animals and specific disease diagnoses. These findings underscore the need for targeted conservation strategies, including measures to mitigate MVAs, reduce dog attacks, and improve public education on wildlife care and reporting. Enhanced data collection and focused conservation efforts are essential to address the growing threats to wildlife in urban environments and to improve long-term conservation outcomes.
Keywords: Australian wildlife, causes, conservation, endangered species, hospital admissions, mortality, threats, wildlife.
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