LECTURE NOTES FOR WILDLIFE CHEMICAL IMMOBILIZATION - PowerPoint Presentation

LECTURE NOTES FOR WILDLIFE CHEMICAL IMMOBILIZATION WRITTEN BY: KABASI BONIFACE - 0655078042 ASSISTED BY: BAYO MARTIN J. - 0762181639 APPROVED BY: CHAMBA, Isaac Yohana AUTHOR PROF . BATAMUZI E

GAME CAPTURE/IMMOBILIZATION Immobilization are of two types Physical immobilization Chemical immobilization IN 1960-M99( Etorphine HCL) was discovered due to; The drugs was safe to animals Little amount can be used Its effect can be reversed Can be used for a wide range of animals It has a wide margin of safety

WHY DO WE IMMOBILIZE ANIMALS For their safety ;eg when you want to move animals from unsuitable areas to safe areas e.g. from flooded areas( zimbabwe and Mozambique) For restocking or replenishing dwindling number of animals in the areas For research purpose eg immobilize animals and put a radio collar for easy tracking To determine the physical and physiological parameters , parameter to change when animals are sick, for references purposes For collection of samples from live animals For clinical evaluation, treatment and surgery

PHASES OF IMMOBILIZATION 1:Planning and preparation 2:Approach and darting 3:Induction 4:Recovery and release 5:Reflection

1:PLANNING AND PREPARATION We define the objectives of capture e.g. sample collection,re-stocking,research etc. Consider the animals attributes-animals of interests e.g. Impala or elephants Drugs e.g. Zebra- etorphine , Impala-Fentanyl The health status of animals e.g. pregnancies, pregnant animals require more doses Consider the terrain where the capture would take place e.g. in plain areas/terrain-you need to use lower doses, while in bush/ mountans -higher doses is required bcz tracking the animals is difficult Environmental considerations; because animals are affected by things like temperature, capture should be done in cooler days or early in the morning

Contin….. Drugs and dosage; which drugs to use will be guided by the types /animals species, amount of drugs to use-size of animals Equipment-That will make the exercise successful, Capturing elephants requires large man power There are special requirements for each species e.g. ropes,dart gun, stretchers and thermometer

2:APPROACH AND DARTING Know the x- stics of animals A approach from vehicle or helicopter in order not to scare animals Remain on the road as much as possible For aesthetic reasons avoid heavy tourist traffic Approach slowly and gently Do not suddenly change direction Slow tangential approach Approach from down wind tangentially

Darting Well muscled ares-shoulder,hind legs, neck for rhino,buffallo,hippo and water buck For relatively smaller animals like impala, monkeys prefer area is hind leg Avoid darting the neck in giraffe and elephants To be able to dart we use dart gun The mechanism can be powder charge or gas charged(co2)

3:INDUCTION Is defined as the time btn injection to when the time the animals is rendered immobile Signs of immobile are important Signs:Noise,Agigated,React,Unusual behaviour,Locomotor changing, Animals appear staggering,

4:HANDLING Approach animal from behind, the side and then blind fold with a piece of cloth For those with horns, handle horns first For those with ears handle them first Cover their eyes with a piece of cloth to avoid direct sunlight Arrange them sideways If its hot and the animals are sweating pour them with water in order to cool them Determine the level of anaestasia,where necessary add more doses Do not let the animal lay on one side for long period of time turn them

5:RECOVERY AND RELEASE Before you wake up the animal, remove all the unusual things like,Vehicles,equipment etc. Then inject an anti-dote Keep noise to minimum Remove the blind fold Remove the cotton from the ears Go and park your vehicle at considerable distance and monitor your animal Have a sharp shooter(ranger) to control the animals in case it tries to charge towards you

6:REFLECTION This is the most important part of immobilization but its often forgotten Record all events that you did,e.g what time of injection, type of drugs, how do you handles the animals wake up Reflection is the review of the entire exercise while things are still fresh in your mind Because we don’t want to do or repeat mistakes. Review all things in an ethical point of view Strive towards better and least stressful immobilization Always plan and excute capture careful Before you go for capture, you should release it first

CHEMICAL CAPTURE OF AFRICAN BUFALLO Is the large, robust bovid with strong herding instinct Occurs in large herds made up of smaller subgroups representing cohesive family units of cows,heifers,calves and young bulls Posses robust, curved horns in the both sexes, the boss of the horns of the male being better developed than that of the female Adult bulls are more heavy built In the dry seasons is anchored to permanent water and usually drinks at least once per day

CONTI… Has large muscle masses on the shoulder, neck and hind quarter that provide ideal darting sites Has a 20mm thick hide that demands the use of long, thick needles(minimum 2mm in diameter) Is enormously strong and always be treated as potentially dangerous. In particular adult bulls and cows with calves should not be underestimated Does not tolerate heat well because of its relatively small surface areas to body mass ratio and dark colouration

EQUIPMENT Buffalo have thick hides ,so powerful projectors are indicated.Cmpressed air type projector can however be used at close range, employing slightly higher than normal pressure to ensure good penetration Use long, thick needle (minimum2x40mm) Barbed or collared needle are preferred to ensure complete injection of the immobilization drugs Routine drugs; art wound treatment preparations, long acting antibiotics,anthelmintics,acaricidal spray,anti inflammatory drugs, vitamin/mineral preparations A good supply of needle and syringe A small and large bore stomach tube

DRUGS Etorphine;Adults 6-9mg,yearlings 3-5mg and calves 1-3mg Xylazine:Adults buffalo 70-90mg,sub adults 40-60mg,and calves 10-30mg of total doses For detomidine:one tenth of the xylazine antagonistic for rapid reversal Doxapram,atropine and adrenaline for treatment of respiratory or cardiac depression Naloxone(Human opioid antagonist)

CAPTURE OF SINGLE BUFFALLO Capture is usually achieved from vehicle and maximum doses are used in the capture cocktail to ensure rapid induction A n indirect, tangential approach should be used avoiding dense vegetation The approach should be from down wind where possible If the herds becomes restless, cease the approach and allow the animals to settle down Once animal is darted, remain stationary the herds may stop only a short distance away if not pursed Try to keep the darted animal visible

INDUCTION Induction is characterised by a shortened, tripling gait The head is initially held high but soon sinks down to the level of the knees as complete immobilization approach During the induction phase buffalo walk blindly into obstacles Immobilized buffalo usually goes down with the hindquater first and then lie

: POSITIONING Animals that go down in lateral recumbence have to be assisted to lie on the sternum within 5-10min If not they die from bloat and regurgitation(this causes aspiration of contents into lungs and related problems)

HANDLING Blindfold Plug ears with cotton wool Cool from time to time with orders MONITOR: Temperature-rectal Anaesthesia-various parameters Pulse/heart

DO NOT… Capture or transport buffalo during the hot summer months Capture heavily pregnant cows or those with new born offspring Capture buffalo shortly after heavy rains showers when the ground is wet and siggy Use short acting phenothiazine tranquilizers on hot or very cold days Capture buffalo shortly after they have drunk water, never

CHEMICAL CAPTURE OF THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT Is a large aggressive and very dangerous animal when harassed Is found in most habitats types usually close to reliable source of clean water Is most often encountered in breeding hards.Old bulls, alone or with accompanying askaris(young bulls) and small bulls groups also occur Has a strong maternal bond. A cow will not leave her immobilized young Breaths only through its trunk. Physical obstructions of the trunk e.g by laying on it, branches closing it. Can cause suffocation

Has a skin that is 20-30mm thick. This is an important factor when selecting needles for immobilization darts Has a large abdomen: in sternal recumbence the pressure of the abdominal organs on the diaphragm and internal blood vessels can cause death PRECAUTIONS: Elephants When darting from the ground, avoid driving into a breeding herd this may separate cows from their calves Avoid darting elephants in very dense vegetation that could require follow up on foot Avoid approaching a darted elephant before the drugs has taken full effects Make sure you always alert about other member

EQUIPMENT:ELEPHANT Powerfully, long range projectors are the most suitable Maximum range is needed if elephant are to be darted from the ground Air powered system such as telinject and Dan inject may be used on elephant in captivity for short range darting The needles used for elephant calves and adult 50 to 60mm long A collar should be induced in middle of shaft Axe Rope

Other equipment. Sufficient water to cool the immobilized elephants A long rope to pull the elephant over it it is lying on its sternum An axe to remove stumps or trees either injuring the recumbent animal or which will possibly hamper its attempts

DRUGS Etorphine :(12-16mg) with xylazine (40-60mg) Azaperone (40mg)may be added to bring about smoloth induction The antidoteof choice to reverse the effects of etorphine

DART SITE OF ELEPHANTS The hindlegs, back and shoulder are suitable darting sites Care must be taken to place the dart at right angles to the skin to avoid subcutaneous or intradermal injection

INDUCTION:SIGNS The first visible effect of the drug is the inability of the elephant to lift its tail This is followed by ataxia(animal move in funny, ways stumbles if walking in different terrain) The animal will normally come stand still soon after it looses control of its trunk A fter sometimes if undisturbed fall down usually laterally recumbency -the hind legs collapse in sternal recumbency

HANDLING Its imperative that the elephant lie on its side during immobilization Elephants resting on their sternum must be pushed over onto their sides Once the elephants is lying on its side the top ear should be flapped over the exposed eye and the trunk straightened to avoid obstruction

MONITORING IMMOBILIZED ELEPHANTS The level of anaesthesia The heart rate:28-50 beats per minutes The respiration rate:3-4minites Temperature: average 36 centigrade(adults) 38.5c(calves)

CHEMICAL CAPTURE OF ZEBRA X-STICS OF ZEBRA Is highly intelligent and extremely way of close approach on foot Certain drugs tolerant like fentanyl, catentanil Prefer open, short grass areas. Zebra are often found together with wildebeest in the same habitat. Has to drink daily and is often found close to water at mid-morning Occurs in small family groups of 6-12,which sometimes join to form large herds Male and females look very similar. Males can be identified by their thicker neck, the often darker brown colour of the stripes Inclined to remain in open habitat or to flee to open habitat when harrased They keep closely bunched when threatned with the stallion bringing up the rear when being pursued

Potentially dangerous with serious wounds being inflicted by biting and by kicking with both the fore and hind legs Is inclined to kick and bite a herd member that is partially immobilized, particular if it a subordinate member of the herd Has a thin skin that is prone to penetration, Never ever dart a zebra from behind dart from the side Is prone to capture myopathy and heat stress Is prone to renacotization (revive and sleep again) Not being a ruminant has different handling equipment Sternal and lateral recumbency

Precaution Avoid immobilizing in hot weather Avoid panicking the herd Avoid darting in group Beware of protective reaction of the stallion Beware when approaching partially immobilized zebras Separate the darted animals from the herd as soon as it shows signs of the drugs taking effects Be sure to treat the dart wound and any other wounds before release

How to capture Equipment Do not use a darting system that has a high impact velocity.Dan inject,telinject =gas produced co2 Never be used cap-chur@system The zebra’s skin is thin and severe penetration wounds can result Long ranges is often needed, adjustable long range, projections are often the best option Needles should be 25-30mm long and should have a collar or a small barb Dart which work on air pressure are preferred

DRUGS Adult stallion 4-6mg etorphine;adult mare 3-4mg etorphine Mix with 40-80mg azaperone 40-60mg xylazine,30mg acepromazine or 5-10mg detomidine Never use fentanyl to zebra Anitidote diprenorphine at 2,0-2,4 times the etorphine dose Fentanyl and carfentanil are not effective in zebra

Others Blindfold Thermometer Water Drugs for emergency Adrenaline Umbrella Streacher for holding Stesthescope Pulsemeter

HOW TO CAPTURE Techniques The zebra can be darted from avehicle a hide or a helicopter A helicopter is recommended if a few animals must be darted or if the animals are in rough terrain If darting from a vehicle,use an extremely gradual approach Remain on the road as much as possible

Where to dart Dart into the shoulder,neck,rump or hind leg Do not dart the animal from behind the skin of the perenium is particular soft and penetration of the abdominal cavity can result The herd will move off at a gallop,but will remain bunched If they run,do not follow them Do not full/chase them after you have darted

SIGNS OF INDUCTION Slowing, loss of tone in the tail, head held high Highly stepping knee action, later becoming more in coordinated The animal at this stage run away from the herd or be left behind It may stumble and fall but often stops shortly Ten minutes within darted animal will fall on one side

HANDLING Keep zebra cool and protect its eyes from direct sunlight. Covering the eyes may also serve to calm the animals Sweating maybe profuse.The animal can be dosed with water Cool the animal with waterMove from behind Cotton wool in ear Monitor the vital parameters

DO NOT…. Use darting system that has a high impact Dart zebra from behind Use fentanyl or carfentanil;these are ineffective in the zebra Pull or turn the animal around once recumbent

CHEMICAL CAPTURE OF GIRAFFE Giraffe characteristics Found in savanna or woodland habitat Mature male have sturdier, thicker oscones which have bare patches on tops. Male distinguished by visible sheath. They occur singly, in pair ,in bachelor, groups(2-3 individuals) or in herd (5-50 animals). They are inquisitive animals.

Conti… Very large animal so poses handling problems when immobilized. Stands up with difficulty after immobilization (pregnant animal, adult bull, old animals in poor conditions). Not excitable so easily to approach (gradually). Limited exercise tolerance. Sensitive to opioid drugs ( etorphine at higher doses causing respiratory depression ). Heart pump at high pressure to maintain perfusion to the brain. Requires optimal oxygenation to maintain heart function. (brain, heart and kidney they need high amount of oxygen.) Has very thick skin

EQUIPMENTS AND PERSONNEL Powerful, long range projectors are needed. Use robust dart (cap- chur ) with 60mm needle for adults. Needles should have a collar or barb. Ropes(25mm soft cotton ropes). Chase vehicle. Cotton wool for ears. Masking tape. Blind fold and water. Radio communication equipment. A driver and 8-handlers.

DRUGS Etorphine - Large adult bull 10-16mg, Adult cows and young adult bull 8-14mg and Young giraffe 2-8mg Diprenorphine use 2 times etorphine dose , azaperone 30-50mg, xylazine 40-80mg, detomidine 5-10mg.

GIRAFFE TECHNIQUES Can be darted from helicopter or from the ground. Use the vehicle in open terrain/approachable animals. Dart into muscle of rump, hind leg, shoulder. Keep within 100m-150m of darted giraffe. Once it goes into center rope it and assist to go down slowly. Induction time is 4-7minutes. Have people to take care of the head and neck to make sure it does not move or swing it.

GIRAFFE HANDLING Once down two handlers must take charge of the head. Fit blind fold. Block the ear with cotton wool and bind them with masking tape. Admister an antidote. Check respiratory/mucous membranes. If hot douse with water regularly. When the exercise is over remove the ropes ear, blind fold .

DO NOT Capture a giraffe which has drunk (they regugite and inhale rumen contents) Capture when ambient temperature is above 28c. Chance giraffe excessively before, during or after dartig . Allow darted giraffe to get too far away. Over doses with etorphine . Delay in administering antidote.

CHEMICAL CAPTURE OF LION( Panthera leo ) Is the social carnivore with a female dominated structure in the pride. Has immese strength in limbs and jaws, and is extremely dangerous, particuraly when cornered or threatened . Can be aggressive even towards vehicle particuraly dominant male and female with cubs

Precaution Be extremely caution when approaching trapped lion for immobilization. Do not have unessential personnel present when immobilizing lions. Ensure that all assistants know their duties,have been informed of what can expected and know the procure in an emergency. Always dart alion from the safety of a vehicle or shelter. Always keep lookout for other member of the pride. They will look for a missing pride member. A heavy caliber firearm must be kept at hand preferable a rifle handled by a competent assistant.

Cont … While handling wild carnivores (including lions) do not use your mouth for handling equipment's, do not handle food ,and do not eat. A void capturing female with cubs. Immediately after the operation wash your hand thoroughly and ensure that all personnel involved in handling the animal or apparatus do likewise. Use an experienced person to assess when the drugged lion can be handled ,and when the animal may need additional drugs. Move out of sight immediately after the drugs has been administed and observe for sign of induction

Equipment's Use telinject , daninject , pneu -dart, cap- churt or dist -inject darting equipment Large dart (3-5ml0 are needed if fetamine is used. Needles need not be longer than 40mm. Barbed or collard needle remain in animal (if not bitten out ) and serve to identify which animal have been drugged. Reflective tape on dart assist in following the animals.

Drugs The drug of choice is zoletil .

WILD DOG( Lycaon pictus ) They live in pack with well established structure Packs range to about 30 but depend on the type of the ecosystem They have a wide home range varying considerably and it maybe high as 15 km and it is regulated The range can be determined by the prey but also the type of the terrain Wild dogs are not easily to distinguish from each other and yet have different markings

WILD DOG CONT…….. They have thin skin and small muscle masses Due to the thickness of the skin and musculature, determine the nature of the darting system They are carnivorous and want to work on their meal, do not scavenge Wild dogs prefer eating; Impala, Thomson’s gazelle, and lesser kudu They are much more active at night and cooler time However they most much more restricted when have puppies.

DARTING OF WILD DOG Low impact darting system is recommended over high impact, example Gas power darting system over powder charge Needles should be relatively short, maybe from 10-30mm Because of small muscles the side part for darting is high up in the hind leg but sometimes in the shoulder

PRECAUTION Be extremely caution when approaching a wild dogs Don’t go with unessential personnel Ensure that all assistants know their duties, have been informed what can be expected and know the procedure in emergency Always keep a lookout for other members of the pack, they will look for missing member While handling wild dogs don’t use mouth for holding equipment, food and don’t eat Should wear gloves

Precaution cont.…….. Immediately wash hands thoroughly and ensure that all personnel involved in handling the animal or apparatus do likewise Facilities for artificial shade i.e. umbrella, stretcher for carrying animal to safe place Facilities for monitoring vital signs and anesthesia i.e. thermometer, stethoscope, Respiratory stimulants like Doxapram , Artificial adrenaline and Atropine sulphate for heart problem Facilities for collecting samples

DRUGS Zoletil with all without tranquilizer, dose 3-5mg/kg And if combined with tranquilizer like meditomidine 0.03-0.005mg/kg total dose of Zoletil is 0.5mg, Alternatively, Zoletil combined with Zylazine 0.55mg. Antidote for the drugs are; Atipamezole 5 x Midetomidine dose or Atipamezole 2 x Zoletil dose.

Drugs cont.…… Ketamine hydrochloride 5mg/kg, can be combined with meditomidine of 0.1mg/kg No antidote for ketamine but meditomidine have 3. Fentanyl combined with Xylazine to reduce the dose Fentanyl total dose 2.5mg Xylazine total dose 25-40mg Reversal for drugs  Xylazine ; Atipamezole 2 x Xylazine dose Fentanyl; Ertophine hydrochloride 2 x Fentanyl dose

CAPTURING Cont.….. It is easier to capture wild dog at night but maybe captured physically by Net gun Once darted place in safe place, cover their face and place them in lateral decumbency or dorsal Open the mouth and take out a tongue and put it aside Blind fold them Monitor time to time vital organs

BLUE WILDEBEEST ( connochates taurinus ) Are large antelope Male and female have long horns Weigh 120-275 kg Have mane ,beard and a long dark colored tail Male have a boss like structure Habitat is grass land and open wood land Social structure can be herds, single ,territorial and bachelor group. When male reach 1-4 yrs they form bachelor group Reaching 4-5 yrs they establish social territory Female herd may be of 20-30 animals They often associate with zebra.

REQUIREMENT All darting system are suitable Ordinary sized needle are perfect Blind fold and cotton wool Enough water for cooling Umbrella Facilities for monitoring vital mucosa of the body (TPR) Stretcher and a vehicle minimum of five people

DRUGS BULLS thiamine 4-6 mg/ etophine 5-7 mg they can be combine with Azaperone 100mg or Meditomidine 5-6 mg or Detomidine 10 mg Xylazine 20-40 mg. FEMALES thiamine 3-5 mg / etophine 3-5 mg they can be combine with other sedative and tranquillizers like in bull

ANTIDOTE 59 -90 MG Naltrexone or etophine M5050 For sedative we use atipemazole 5 times the drug

APPROACH AND DARTING Remain in the road as much as possible rem they associate with zebra intelligence animal Approach slowly targeting from down wind Single territorial bulls can allow approach within 30-40 metres but gradually Avoid stress to the animal Dart in the shoulder ,neck ,high in leg and rump. Protect the darted bull from other bulls. HANDLING Sternal recumbence Blind fold Treat the darted wounds

WARTHOG Live in grass land, savanna and dense bush Male are large and have 4 large warts on the face Females has only 2 warts and small body size Cause inflict severe bite Susceptible to stress induced complication Susceptible to over heating Weigh 65-100 kg Very thin skin Can seek shelter in bush/holes if pursued and darted. React rapidly with alarm call of birds and other animals Potential aggressive and danger routes

DRUGS AND SITES OF DARTING Zolatil 3mg/kg can be combine by 306-350 mg azaperone or Ketamanie 200-350 mg + xylazine 5-20 mg Aim at shoulder or hinde quatres

IMPALA Small antelope Male have horns Ewe are hornless Prefer open woodland but may be found in dense thick in hot day Single territorial bull found alone or with the breeding herds Have breeding herds and consist of male Easy to approach by vehicle Sensitive to etophine They have thin skin

PRECAUTION High impact should not be used Adjust according to range Be aware of males horns Be preparing with respiratory depression

EIQUPMENT AND DRUGS Adjusted projector Light weigh dart Needle with or without collar Ram 1 gm etophine or 10-15mg fentayl Ewe 0.5-1 mg etophine or 10 mg fentanyl Fentanyl is the most opoid used here Combine with 2-3 mg xylazine or 50 mg azaperone

DARTING AND HANDLING You can dart from the vehicle or hiding some where If using the vehicle approach the herd slowly Avoid harassing the impala Impala can be successfully darted at night Grabs the horn of the ram and do not let the head swing around (horn can cause injury)

BLACK RHINO ( Diceros bicornis )

charachteristic of black rhinos Solitary animal live in different habitat Calf always running from the behind Complex social animal Browsers live in thick bushes Respond better to drugs More aggressive than white rhino High doses of M99 azaperone and cloxipol are used than in white rhino More responsive to reversing agent Weigh 600-1200 kg Length about 1.6m Prefers open woodland and thickes Is water dependent Male are territorial but often tend to socialize with other male Thick skin

DRUGS ETOPHINE 3.5 -4 mg cow adult 4-5 mg bulls 2.5-3.5 mg sub adults 1.5-2.5 mg calves Never dart calves younger than six months Mix M99 about 1500 IU of hyalase ADD tranquilizers or sedatives Azaperone – (adult 80-100 mg)sub adult 80mg calves 40mg Xylazine / detomidine can be usedof up to 150-300 mg ANTIDOTE Reverse M99 with M5050 2 TIMES M99 doses

DART SITES and HANDLING On the ground, neck or low on the hind quarters From the helicopter-rump muscles at top line HANDLING Lateral recumbence Blind fold Mornitor vital parameters Wet the animal with water regularly Clean dart wound and apply antibiotics

TECHNIQUE Use powerful projectors Protect from heat or sun Consider danger of all the team and to the animal

OSTRICH ( struthio camelus ) Giant birds with power full legs Kick both forward and downward Long flexible neck prone to injury Very thin skin Fragile bones that break easily Has good eye sight Has 50 mm layer of fat under skin in the abdomen region The right jugular vein is more prominent Live in open areas Gregarious ,with strong hearding . Very prone to capture myopathy Escape danger by hiding in vegetation Males are aggressive during breeding season Very nervous they can dis regard presence of any obstruction

PRECAUTION Capture at temperature below 28 degree Avoid excessive exertion and rough handling during capture Have an assistance with branch of thorny tree to use as a shield Beaware of mood of bird particularly when approaching from on foot. Eg incubating chicks Staff should work quietly Never over dose Ensure drugged birds is quickly restrained They fall hard and throw head around

DART SITES and DRUGS Aim at high muscles Avoid adominal muscle and lumbo -sacral area Use wing muscle for IM (intra muscles) injection Use jugular and brachial vein for IV ( itravenous injection ) DRUGS OPIOID thiafentanil A3080 -6-9 mg M99 ETOPHINE HCL -6-9 mg carfentanil 3 mg Mix with 200 mg xylazine ,/4-8 mg meditomidine / 25 mg acetylpromazine /150 mg ketamine 2. ZOLATIL 4-12 mg/kg IM ,2.8 mg/kg IV -use 1-2 mg/kg valium during waking up

ANTIDOTE and HANDLING A3080/M99 times 2 diprenophine Yohimbine 0.25/kg HANDLING Sternal recumbence Monitor vital parameters of the body (TPR) Quickly and firmly restrain Blind folds Heart beat can be seen on palpated

ELAND ( Taurotragus oryx ) Very large antelope Both males and females have horns Live in variety of habitat Is gregarious with strong herds in stout Can jump remarkably high for an animal of it size Will easily take flight and once on the move will run a considerable distance before stopping. Potential dangerous animal if semi-immobilized. Semi- immobilized eland may attempt to Has a thick skin particularly in the neck region

PRECAUTION Be aware of mother in darting a calf Handle horns with care Have at least five people to assist in handling

EQUIPMENT AND DRUGS Power full and long projectors Needles should be 50-60 mm long barked or collared. DRUGS Etophine bulls 10-12mg Cow 6-8 mg Mix with Neuroleptic 80-100 mg xylazine 180-200 mg azaperone 15 mg detomidine NB Inclusion of a neuroleptic with muscle relaxant properties is essential otherwise the eland will run until muscle damage has occurred Hyaluronidase reduce induction time

TECHNIQUE Can use vehicle but the helicopter is the best When darting from the vehicle approach gradually at an angle. Herd may watch or run off, if they run wait until the herd has settled down before trying again Do not drive after running animals

Handling of immobilized eland Are strong on their feet and difficult to control especial when their standing May still cause injury DO NOT Attempt to corner eland against a fence Never use etophine in eland without a muscle relaxant neuroleptic such as xylazine .