The capture and translocation of gemsbok Oryx gazella gazella in the Nambi Desert with the aid of fentanyl, etorphine and tranquillizers.
Twenty-three gemsbok in the Namib Desert were captured with combinations of fentanyl or etorphine hydrochloride, hyoscine hydrobromide and tranquilizers such as azaperone, SU - 9064, triflupromazine hydrochloride and acetylpromazine maleate. Fentanyl, a New immobilizing compound, proved to be a safe and effective immobilizing drug for capturing gemsbok. The gemsbok were chased on the interdune plains and darted from a Land Rover with the Palmer powder-charge Cap-Chur gun. A six-seater helicopter was used on a trial basis to dart a gemsbok, but it is suggested that a smaller, more manoeuvrable helicopter be used for further operations. All the gemsbok were transported under narcosis from the capture area to an enclosure. Chlorpromazine hydrochloride was injected into the captured gemsbok to sedate them in their new confined environment. Tranquillizers such as chlorpromazine hydrochloride, acetylpromazine maleate and a new tranquillizer SU - 9064 were used to sedate the animals during long distance transportation in crates. This prevented the animals from injuring themselves and damagin the crates. For the first time in South West Africa wild animals were transported by air. A journey by road which under normal circumstances would have taken over 40 hours, was completed in less than 9 hours by utilizing aerial transportation. There were no losses during transportation and only two gemsbok were injured during the translocation operation.
D000075:Acepromazine; D000818:Animals; D001188:Artiodactyla; D001376:Azaperone; D002746:Chlorpromazine; D005048:Etorphine; D005260:Female; D005283:Fentanyl; D007103:Immobilization; D008297:Male; D009019:Morphinans; D013019:South Africa; D014149:Tranquilizing Agents; D014186:Transportation; D014273:Triflupromazine
D009019:Morphinans; D014149:Tranquilizing Agents; D001376:Azaperone; D005048:Etorphine; D000075:Acepromazine; D014273:Triflupromazine; D002746:Chlorpromazine; D005283:Fentanyl