Fitness level as a determining factor in the survival of rehabilitated peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) and brown goshawks (Accipiter fasciatus) released back into the wild

Abstract

This study examined the effect of 2 fitness programs on the postrelease survival and ability to maintain weight of 15 peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) and 12 brown goshawks (Accipiter fasciatus) held captive for treatment or because they had been orphaned. Each bird was treated or allowed to mature, then was either exercised by traditional falconry methods or by stimulating flight within its cage. Prior to release, resting blood lactate concentrations were measured before a short period of exercise and at 2 and 10 minutes after a standardized exercise test. Pre-exercise blood lactate concentrations were higher in cage-exercised peregrine falcons compared with those exercised by tradition..