Since the remote capture of wild animals involves a substantial investment in time, effort and money, remote injection systems must be efficient and reliable.1 Precision, and therefore the capability of the operator, are of crucial importance, since there is usually only one chance to hit a target animal. A thorough understanding of the equipment and the anesthetics employed, as well as training in wildlife chemical immobilization, are important to prevent failures and mishaps.1
Remote injection (or remote delivery) systems for the chemical immobilization of free-ranging animals consist of various types of projection devices, commonly known as dart guns. These are commercially available in rifle and pistol configurations and employ either powder-charged blank cartridges, compressed CO2 or compressed air.2 Some of the well-known manufacturers of remote injection equipment are Pneu-dart, Dan-Inject and Teledart.
Dart guns that use CO2 or compressed air have a shorter range shorter than those of powder-charged equipment. Range can also be impacted by the dart size being used. Compressed-air systems have an effective range of up to 50 meters, while CO2 projectors can deliver a dart up to 70 meters. Powder-charged systems can deliver darts at distances up to 120 meters, although there is a higher risk for impact injury with such systems.2 Remote injection equipment is typically used from a standing position on the ground, from a ground-based vehicle or from a helicopter.
The darts used for chemical immobilization themselves consist of five parts:
Dart syringes are usually made of aluminum or plastic, and are typically not interchangeable between projection system types. Aluminum darts are more resistant to damage than plastic darts. Additionally, both reusable and disposable darts are available. There are several different mechanisms that can be used to advance the dart plunger for injection of a drug once the dart has impacted an animal. These are usually chemically-based, or employ mechanical triggers.
Interested in learning more about safe capture? The San Diego Zoo now offers courses in safe capture techniques and best practices. Learn reliable, safe, and effective techniques for the species you work with and the scenarios you encounter!
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