Chemical and Physical Restraint of Wild Animals, A Training and Field Manual for African Species. 2nd Edition

Abstract

This book is essential for the library of wildlife professionals who work with chemical or physical restraint of African wildlife species. This second edition is significantly improved over the first edition. Kock and Burroughs have edited and produced a book that succinctly addresses the relevant physiology, pharmacology, and human safety issues related to chemical restraint. While much of this information is also found in other sources, there are key sections that make this book a truly valuable resource for wildlife veterinarians and biologists. The chapter on the principles of chemical and physical restraint authored by Atkinson, Kock, and Meltzer is rich in observations, comments, and recommendations that can only come from years of field experience. The excellent photographs and illustrations provide the reader a visual reference for the induction phases of immobilization and the discussion of common causes of failures and adverse effects is written and illustrated based on experience rather than primarily literature review. The discussion of helicopter and fixed wing aircraft addresses differences in equipment, operating parameters, and safety that provide the uninitiated an important foundation to the subject. For non-African professionals, the section on individual species is a treasure, including excellent photographs to help distinguish many important African species on which restraint is used. This section is authored by Burroughs, Hofmeyer, Morkel, Kock, and Meltzer—all of whom are very experienced with African wildlife medicine and biology. Each wildlife species (arranged alphabetically) has a species description, notes on behavior, habitat, reproduction, the most common drugs used, and most importantly, valuable notes on distinctive restraint techniques used with that species. The authors’ note that gemsbok must be approached carefully is underscored by the comment that ‘‘they are very aggressive and may attempt to horn you’’ and is based on field experience. This kind of valuable information is provided throughout this section. This edition has an expanded section on carnivores, again with valuable but little-known tidbits of information such as the fact that large felids cannot resist the Calvin Klein fragrance, Obsession for MenH, and that this fragrance can be used as a lure for traps. One of the strongest expansions of this edition is the section on equipment. It is complete and comprehensive and provides valuable guidelines for assembling a working field box. Regulations concerning drugs and laws related to wildlife capture are focused on African wildlife. One shortcoming is the limitation to the use of etorphine or thiafentanil for ungulates; few alternative drugs and doses are mentioned. The addition of alternative drugs and doses would be a valuable addition to future editions. This resource is targeted for African readers but will be valuable for all wildlife professionals working with African species.