Hospital admissions to Phillip Island Wildlife Clinic, Victoria, Australia, over a 10-year period, 2012-2021.

Abstract

Wildlife hospitals play a critical role in safeguarding diverse animal species, but their admissions data are also valuable for investigating threats and challenges impacting local wildlife. This study examines 10 years of admissions data from the Phillip Island Wildlife Clinic in Victoria, Australia, to identify species, primary causes, outcomes, and temporal trends of hospital admissions. Avian species constitute the majority of admissions (64.5%), with sea and water birds being the most frequently admitted group. Motor vehicle accidents (MVAs), injuries of unknown cause, and orphaning are the dominant causes of admission for birds and mammals. Car strikes are the leading cause of admission for land birds, land mammals, macropods, and turtles. Orphaning exhibits a seasonal pattern, with a higher number of cases in spring. Overall, 70.3% of admissions resulted in mortality, with causes related to trauma showing significantly higher mortality risks than others. The findings emphasize the impact of tourism on wildlife populations and the urgent need for targeted conservation strategies on Phillip Island.