Hematological reference parameters for lesser kestrel (Falco naumanni) in Southern Italy

The generation of reference interval for wild species is challenging, given limitations in sample, and/or animal size. Nonetheless, the evaluation of fitness for release is essential in the rehabilitation of raptors. They often mask clinical signs of illness, so information on their haematological parameters is critically important in judging the possible release. Hematologic parameters have been published for several species of raptors, but data for lesser kestrel (Falco naumanni) are lacking. Lesser kestrel is a small-sized raptor with Euroasiatic-Mediterranean chorology, migratory and colonial habits. In Italy, where it is included in the “particularly protected” species list, the greatest concentration of breeding pairs is located in Apulia and Basilicata regions. Lesser kestrels for sampling were provided by the Wildlife and Exotic Rescue Centre of San Giuliano: n=21 free-ranging adults presented for different difficulties, and n=19 pulli for rearing and release. Blood was sampled two days before releasing the subjects whose fitness and health were verified by clinical examination, flight and predation tests. Higher Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, and the Ethics Committee for Animal Experimentation of the Department of Veterinary Medicine granted the authorization. Statistically significant differences between the groups were found for the lymphocyte count, markedly lower in fledglings.