Capture and Anaesthesia of the Mongolian Wild Ass (E. hemionus)

Authors

Chris Walzer, University of Veterinary MedicineFollow
Petra Kaczensky, University of FreiburgFollow
Oogii Ganbaatar, Greater Gobi Strictly Protected Area Part BFollow
Namtar Enkhsaikhan, International Takhi Group
Davaa Lkhagvasuren, National University of MongoliaFollow

Date of this Version

2007

Document Type

Article

Citation

Erforschung biologischer Ressourcen der Mongolei (Halle/Saale) 10 (2007): 69-76.

Comments

Copyright 2007, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle Wittenberg, Halle (Saale). Used by permission.

Abstract

Science-based conservation efforts in general and wide-ranging equid conservation specifically, often require capture and subsequent handling of the subject animal. Safe and animal-welfare appropriate wild equid capture and anesthesia is a complex operation necessitating a multitude of skills that require appropriate veterinary training. In order to develop management plans for the Mongolian wild ass (Equus hemionus), which range over vast areas the use of radiotelemetry, is an essential tool. Radio-telemetry allows the researchers to better understand the habitat requirements and to delineate the areas of potential wildlife-human conflicts. To date we have successfully captured 16 wild ass in the Gobi regions of Mongolia. The agent of choice for wild ass capture and anesthesia is the potent opiate ethorphine in combination with specific opiate antagonists that allow for the complete reversal of the anesthetic effects. The recommended dosage for healthy, adult wild ass procedures anesthesia is a combination of 4.4 mg ethorphine, 10 mg buthorphanol and 10 mg detomidine. Anesthesia was reversed with the opioid antagonist-agonist diprenorphine or a combination of 200 mg naltrexone and the alpha₂-antagonist 20 mg atipamezole. All wild asses were standing and alert approximately two minutes following administration of the antagonists.