History
The initial intention of ARCC Inc., when first incorporated in 2014, was to be a central hub for those involved in any aspect of raptor rehabilitation and conservation, to contribute and share their knowledge and experience.
The original mission statement was “to advance and exchange our knowledge of raptors and improve their successful rehabilitation and release”, with the following goals:
- To provide the infrastructure that promotes communication between raptor researchers, rehabilitators, wildlife care groups and raptor advocates;
- To collaborate with relevant state bodies to structure and standardise training for raptor rehabilitation and care;
- To encourage vets and vet students caring for raptors to engage in discussion;
- To promote the design advantages and availability of the NSW Southern Highlands pre-release aviary for successful raptor rehabilitation and release;
- To promote non-invasive research into raptors and the outcomes post release;
- To encourage and support both Australian and overseas studies.
Photographer: Angela Jansz
With the aim of raising the standards of raptor rehabilitation in Australia to match the international gold standard, ARCC Inc. rapidly identified major knowledge gaps in the Australian rehab landscape and began to develop projects to address these.
- Lack of biological and clinical data on Australian species. There are some published case reports in the veterinary literature, but clinical reference values for Australian species have not been established.
- Lack of data on the survival of birds after release. There is no way of justifying particular rehabilitation practices unless the survival or success of released birds is known. Tracking birds after release is a way of ‘closing the loop’ on the rehabilitation process.
- To pioneer and advocate for the use of round, pre-release flight aviaries for raptors. The first aviaries were built at the Higher Ground Raptor Centre (HGRC) at Fitzroy Falls and based on designs used in the United Arab Emirates.
- To educate and disseminate knowledge about the natural histories, behaviours and best rehabilitation practices for Australian raptors to rehabilitators, wildlife groups, veterinarians and veterinary students.
Photographer: Peg McDonald
Since 2014, ARCC Inc. has developed these directions, carried out and presented results of preliminary studies, and collected a large amount of data on birds during and after rehabilitation. ARCC has a solid social media presence with a loyal following, and has conducted numerous successful fundraising campaigns.
In the spirit of reconciliation, Australian Raptor Care and Conservation Inc acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today. We recognise and appreciate the traditional significance and cultural roles birds of prey play in the lives of our First Nations people.