A minimally invasive capture system for the safe and compassionate live-trapping of jaguar and puma

Abstract

Live trapping of large carnivores can have counter-productive effects on the animal’s health and postrelease behavior. Nonetheless, trapping may be necessary for scientific inquiry, wildlife management and conservation. Capture methods should be efficient, selective, compassionate, and safe for both animals and people. Here, I review the methods used to capture the largest American felids, jaguars and pumas, and propose the use of a minimally invasive capture system (MICS). The device consists of a blowgun remotely controlled by means of cameras and a swiveling 2-way pan-tilt head. The blowgun is monitored by video camera and triggered from a distance of up to 400 m and is capable of shooting darts with high accuracy at distances of about 12 m. This method was developed a decade ago but has not been used despite clear advantages over traditional methods. The use of a MICS can be cheaper, lower in human investment, higher in efficiency and selectivity, and safer and more compassionate than the traditional methods used. The main disadvantages are related to manufacturing, as it must be custom built made by a specialized professional. In addition, any adjustments or repairs must also be handled by a specialist. Nevertheless, these challenges should not discourage the use of MICS, as ethical considerations are of growing importance worldwide when working with wild species. The use of MICS for the live-capture of wild jaguars and pumas (or other medium and large carnivores) deserves further consideration, testing, and discussion.